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A devastated family have spoken of their ‘huge relief’ after their son was awarded £6.5 million in compensation at the Birmingham High Court, after he was left severely disabled during his birth.

Daniel Spencer was starved of oxygen as he was delivered at the Worcester Royal Hospital, and now has been left unable to walk, has severely limited mobility, learning difficulties and needs 24-hour care.

The 13-year-old was diagnosed with severe athetoid cerebral palsy shortly after he was born.

But his family, from Malvern, learnt that the mistake could have been avoided as medical staff failed to respond when his mum, Sue, suffered a rupture in the placenta, and Daniel’s heart rate began fluctuating.

They have finally been awarded the seven-figure sum to help Daniel with life-long care and rehabilitation.

“Daniel is a wonderful boy and he continues to amaze us with the progress he has made over the years,” said his father Oliver.

“We will be able to use the funding to provide vital care and rehabilitation for Dan for the rest of his life. He uses specialist equipment and therapies to help him on a daily basis, which can be very expensive.

“We were devastated when we found out that Daniel’s condition could have been avoided had mistakes not been made during his birth.

“It’s a huge relief knowing that the settlement will provide for a secure future for Daniel and that his specialist care needs will be met for the rest of his life.

“While we will always help out where we can, he needs the support of experts in the field who can help him to achieve as independent a life as possible.”

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust admitted liability for 75 per cent of the full value of the claims in 2013.

The family’s lawyers at Irwin Mitchell negotiated the settlement for Daniel which was approved by a Judge at the High Court.

The £6.5 million settlement includes a lump sum of £2.7 million, and annual payments of £116,000 and later £157,000 after he reaches the age of 19.

It will cover all the specialist care, accommodation, equipment and rehabilitation needs Daniel will continue to have for the rest of his life.

Sara Burns, a Partner and specialist medical negligence lawyer from Irwin Mitchell said: “It’s a huge relief for Daniel’s family that the NHS Trust which was responsible for the injuries during his birth has now agreed a fair settlement.

“The extent and complexity of the problems faced by Daniel mean the funding which has been secured will ensure he can access 24-hour care, and rehabilitation and therapy services that will prove invaluable throughout his day-to-day life.”