CLAIRE'S STORY
home > Cerebral Palsy Specialist Advice > Cerebral Palsy Support Services > Four Mothers Stories > Claire and Christopher
Speak to someone now call 0800 524 4349 Email us now
When Christopher was born, he was grey and totally flat, there were calls for adrenaline, fast bleeps, paediatricians and lots of concerned faces. I just prayed he'd live. Our world had been turned upside down as our little fella struggled to stay with us. His prognosis was extremely poor and we were told to prepare ourselves for the worst.
As Christopher kept battling on, we started to ask questions about what had happened. We just didn't feel we were getting the answers we needed and so started the long journey which ended in court many years later.
When you first learn that the events which left your child severely disabled might have been avoided, your trust in anyone who professes to be an expert simply vanishes and our grief reached new depths. Our journey started 6 months after the twins were born and we had no idea where the journey would take us.
When we first met Richard, we were angry, upset and totally unprepared for what lay ahead. Those first meetings were very difficult as we had to recount the events leading up to and during the birth in as much detail as possible. Richard was extremely supportive and gave us as much time as we needed. We trusted him implicitly.
As time went by and the children started to grow, we began to realise exactly why we had to see this through, no matter how hard or painful it was going to be. Our little man was going to need 24*7 care for the rest of his life and we were determined he would not become a burden to his sister and younger brother.
Richard guided us through the decision making process as we had to start thinking about schools, care, equipment, housing and a hundred other things that life with a disabled child means. Sometimes there would be no meetings for months on end as we were waiting for an expert to provide some information, other times, it seemed we were talking almost daily. As the case began to reach its conclusion, we realised just how much effort had gone in to it's preparation.
Our barrister was fantastic and he and Richard gave us the confidence we needed during the final stages when it seemed we may have to give evidence in court. Finally, the phone call came advising us that the defense had made a settlement offer which the barrister recommended we accept on Christopher's behalf. We still had to go to court for the judge to approve the settlement and again, Richard was by our sides explaining what was going to happen and providing huge amounts of moral support. The feelings of relief that day were indescribable.
Our little man is now a, not so little ,10 year old who continues to amaze us with his sense of humor and his ability to learn new skills. Although he can't talk, walk, sit unsupported, eat, drink or use a toilet, he has an extremely full and happy life and he is loved dearly.
Because of the settlement, we've been able to buy a super bungalow a few miles away from one of the best special schools in the country which Christopher attends as a day student. The bungalow is being adapted to cater for Christopher's needs both now, and when he is an adult requiring live-in care.
The first thing we were able to buy after the settlement was an adapted car which fits us all in plus a carer - we call it the bus!
The settlement also means that we've been able to employ experienced carers which has made a huge difference to the whole family. We can now spend time away with the other 2 children doing "normal" things safe in the knowledge that Christopher is happy and well cared for in his own home.
We know that had we not embarked on, and completed the journey we started all those years ago, our lives would be very different and Christopher would be a very different child with a very different future ahead of him. Whatever happens to us, Christopher's future is secure and he'll be able to look after himself financially without depending on his brother and sister. We sleep well at night knowing that Christopher will be able to afford proper care in his own home and not be at the mercy of whatever provision is deemed adequate by social services.
So, thank you Richard from the bottom of our hearts. Using your considerable skill you've taken us from the depths of despair all those years ago, to a place we can see a positive and happy future for all our children.
