Eileen's father, Peter Doran, 53, said: "This is heartbreaking. I'm absolutely devastated.

"We're not going to let this happen. We've already lost a son with it. We're not prepared for that to happen again." Mr Doran said before Eileen was taken ill she was a very jolly and outgoing woman who lived life to the full.

"Doctors say she's brain dead. But yesterday family members told me she was trying to speak and said 'Daddy' and 'yes', so how can that be?" he added..

The family are travellers and live on a camp in Liverpool city centre. The close-knit community has rallied round in support of the Dorans.

The family had intended to move on but have remained in the city because of Eileen's illness.

Eileen's cousin, Felix Lynn, 34, said he believed doctors were taking the issue to the court for monetary reasons.

He claimed: "What happens is the hospital has a budget. Obviously Eileen is in there taking up a lot of resources.

"We feel that's the basis of their decision."

But the hospital denies its bid is financially motivated, and insists it would be in Eileen's best interests.

Mr Lynn added: "The family are devout Catholics. At the end of the day, she's a human being. How can somebody take a decision like that?"

The family also made an impassioned plea for the public to rally behind their campaign.

Mr Lynn said: "Anybody who's been through a similar situation, please support us.

"Help us keep Eileen alive. Pray for her."