Devastated supporters of Alfie Evans sang 'You'll Never Walk Alone' through tears today as hundreds of blue and purple balloons were released into the sky.More than a thousand people gathered outside Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool this afternoon for the emotional tribute to 23-month-old Alfie who died in the early hours of this morning. His 'heartbroken' parents, Thomas Evans, 21, and Kate James, 20, said their 'gladiator' son 'grew his wings' at 2.30am.The desperately ill youngster suffered from an ultra-rare brain condition and had been in a deep coma for more than a year. Families who gathered in Springfield Park - close to Alder Hey where Alfie was being cared for - sang through tears as a final tribute to the 'little soldier'. Close family friend Laura McKenzie thanked everyone for coming, adding: 'Tom and Kate really appreciate everyone coming and showing their love.
'So many people turned up today and it was absolutely amazing. The whole world showed how much Alfie was loved and we'll never ever ever forget him or his name. No one will.He fought right until the very end. There was no more fighting for him to do. He did everything he could. Tom and Kate did everything they could.'Alfie's so much of a fighter. He proved so many people wrong. He fought for more than four days. He proved to the world he can fight and showed us all. Alfie is a fighter and you won't get anyone better than Alfie.'The heartbreaking sight came after Pope Francis said he was 'deeply moved' by Alfie's death.The leader of the Catholic Church - who had earlier met with parents Tom and Alfie - added: 'Today I pray especially for his parents, as God the Father receives him in his tender embrace.' A balloon release was also held in Dublin while thousands of Huddersfield Town and Everton fans held a minute-long clap for Alfie at the John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield. Alfie's father earlier paid tribute to his 'Gladiator' son who stunned doctors by going on to live a further five days after having his life-support switched off on Monday. He said: 'My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings at 2.30am.
The children's hospital has asked people to leave tributes to Alfie in Springfield Park, next to the hospital as supporters grow in numbers. A statement this morning from Alder Hey said: We feel sure people will wish to place tributes to Alfie along with messages of support for Kate and Tom.'To ensure there is sufficient space for these and to ensure the safety of all those who wish to visit, we have secured a suitable place in Springfield Park situated next to Alder Hey Hospital. This is on the advice of Merseyside Police.'People will be available to direct you to that space throughout the weekend.'One bunch of flowers came with a message saying: 'RIP little gorgeous Alfie, touched so many people's hearts all around the world. Never be forgotten.
'Always a place in my heart for you. Christie, friends and family.' Italian and Polish flags have been seen outside Alder Hey this morning, with supporters laying the national symbols or waving them near the hospital. Earlier today, Alder Hey Hospital said: 'We wish to express our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Alfie's family at this extremely distressing time.'All of us feel deeply for Alfie, Kate, Tom and his whole family and our thoughts are with them. 'This has been a devastating journey for them and we would ask that their privacy and the privacy of staff at Alder Hey is respected.'Today, the mother of Bradley Lowery, who died last year following a long battle against neuroblastoma, also paid tribute to Alfie. Gemma Lowery wrote: 'So sad to hear about the beautiful Alfie Evens I'm sending all my love to Alfie's parents, they did everything they could for their little boy. 'RIP sweetheart, fly high with the angels and go have some fun with my baby boy.'Tributes from celebrities have poured in since this morning's announcement.Piers Morgan wrote: 'My deepest condolences to his parents, who fought so hard for their brave little boy.'Boxer Tony Bellew said: 'RIP Alfie Evans... A brave little soldier all the way to the end... Thoughts are with his mother & father today.. #RIPAlfieEvans.'
Rebekah Vardy commented: 'This morning heaven gained an angel Alfie Evans you stole my heart and the hearts of so many! May you Rest in Peace little man.'Thinking of you Tom & Kate! You did your little champ proudly. Always @alfiesarmy.'Lord Sugar paid tribute: 'RIP Alfie Evans. Sad day for his parents who fought so hard for him.' Everton FC tweeted: 'RIP Alfie Evans. Everybody at the club is deeply saddened by the loss of the brave young Evertonian. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.' Merseyside Police also expressed their condolences.A spokesman said: 'Merseyside Police would like to pass on our sincere thoughts and condolences to Tom, Kate and their families for their very sad loss following the death of their son Alfie Evans overnight.We also pass on our thoughts to those at the hospital who have supported the family in caring for Alfie. May Alfie rest peacefully.'And the Archbishop of Liverpool described Alfie's struggle as heroic.Archbishop Malcolm McMahon of Liverpool made the following statement on behalf of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales:He said: 'I would like to express my deepest sympathy at this moment of loss to Tom and Kate as we hold little Alfie in our prayers.
'All who have been touched by the story of this little boy's heroic struggle for life will feel this loss deeply. 'But as a Christian Alfie has the promises of God, who is love, to welcome him into his heavenly home.''Although the past few weeks have been difficult with much activity on social media, we must recognise that all who have played a part in Alfie's life have wanted to act for his good, as they see it. Above all, we must thank Tom and Kate for their unstinting love of their son, and the staff at Alder Hey Hospital for their professional care of Alfie. Now it is time for us to give Tom and Kate space to grieve their son's death and offer our prayers for him and consolation for all.'Earlier rumours spread that Tom Evans had barricaded himself in Alfie's room at the hospital but the family released a statement saying that was untrue.