A Jewish couple is seeking to keep their seriously ill toddler on life support and transfer her to a medical facility in Israel. 

Alta Fixsler was born with a serious brain injury and is being treated at the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.

A High Court judge will decide whether the two-year old can be transferred into palliative care.

“Sadly there are no winners in a case like this and Alta’s family are devastated at the prospect of her life-sustaining treatment being withdrawn,” said the family lawyer Mathieu Culverhouse, of Irwin Mitchell.

“Furthermore, as part of their Jewish faith, Alta’s parents can’t in the current circumstances agree to steps being taken that would lead to the death of their daughter. All they want is for her to be given the best possible chance of life.

“The family strongly believe that travelling with them to Israel and for treatment decisions to be taken there is in Alta’s best interests. We will continue to support them throughout the process which understandably is an incredibly difficult time for all the family,” he said.

A decision is expected early next week, the law firm said.

A spokesperson for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust said it was "not appropriate for the trust to comment whilst the outcome of the case is awaited.”