Eileen's brother died from the same disease two years ago

Eileen Doran, 31, who is from an Irish travelling family, is being treated for mitochondria cytopathy at Walton Neurological Centre in Liverpool.

The High Court reviewed her case after a decision allowing doctors not to resuscitate her if she stops breathing.

Mr Justice Coleridge said he could see "no advantages" to prolonging survival.

Rare disease

"Are there any advantages to this patient in this condition in attempting by the use of artificial and very invasive procedures to prolong her survival beyond that which will naturally occur?

"I can honestly answer that question by saying that I can think of none.

A few extra months will not be of any benefit to her," he added.

"In my judgment she should be allowed as dignified a passing as is achievable."

Ms Doran is suffering from the same rare disease which killed her brother, Miley, when he was 17, two years ago.

My focus must be on the patient's best interests and not on the family's best interests Mr Justice Coleridge

The judge said she was part of a closely knit, loving and devoted family.

"Given what they have had to face in the past few years, no one can have anything but the profoundest sympathy for them in their hope for the arrival of a miracle," he said.

"But my focus must be on the patient's best interests and not on the family's best interests."

Her father, Peter Doran, 53, of Liverpool, said he had seen his daughter respond on most occasions when he visited her, opening her eyes when he asked her to do so.

"Eileen follows me with her eyes. She looks at me," he told the judge.

"If her eyes are shut, I will say: 'Come on Eileen, girl, open your eyes or I'm going home'.

"She opens her eyes and I say: 'Open them wider', and she opens them wider."

The judge said these were reflex actions and not true signs of awareness.

Medical experts say she has no awareness of any kind and maintain there is no prospect of recovery.