T'S STORY

When our son D was born 15 years ago, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Lack of staff, and inappropriate action amongst other things led to him being born not breathing and lifeless.

He was rushed to SCBU and we didn't get to see him for 4 hours. We were in complete shock and so were our families.

D seemed to recover well and was discharged after 5 days and at his 6 week check we were told he looks okay, but see how he develops.

I wished him to be okay but I think I already knew deep down he wasn't.

He had some blood tests and an MRI scan.  I only heard 2 words in the neurologist office "cerebral palsy".

I remember going to the toilets and just sitting on the floor and crying, not for myself but my son my beautiful baby who was so contented and happy.

I was also heavily pregnant with our second son. I headed straight to my Mum's; I was scared to think about the future. D's brother was born in 1997 even though there was 2 years and 3 month between them, they started to walk at the same time.  It was heartbreaking watching D trying to copy his brother and how much he struggled.

One day not long after D's brother was born my Mum persuaded me to speak to a solicitor about how D's birth was handled.  Surely it is not normal for a full term baby to be born in such a poor state?

Not all our family and friends supported our decision, but we know we would never forgive ourselves and we would be letting down both our sons if we didn't find out the truth.

At first approaching Darby's I felt very emotional.  Every time I thought about the hospital I felt sick and got very upset. The first thing I was helped to do was to write a statement about what happened.  Putting pen to paper I quickly realised I was right, I am not a medical expert or particularly well educated but know what happened shouldn't have.

At first it was about getting at the truth and to be able to explain to D why he is like he is, but as he got older the financial implications became apparent I wanted him to be secure and well looked after.  I wanted him to live, enjoy life and reach his potential.

Darby's explained the process step by step and were always at the end of a phone, sometimes just for a chat or give emotional support and reassurance.  It is a long process to go through and can be exhausting for the whole family, but you never feel on your own.

After 10 years as I sat in court with D, his Dad and the people that made it all possible, heavily pregnant again with our 3rd son, and the settlement was agreed.  I had flashbacks to the endless appointment, examinations, reports I had read and knew it was the beginning of a new chapter for D, one where he is well looked after, can make choices for his future and hopefully continue to have smile on his face.

I have now told D about his birth and what happened. His reply was” but everyone makes mistakes mum”.

I don't know much about other solicitors dealing with cerebral palsy negligence claims, but I do know that Darby's are professional, caring and worked late in to the night at times to support our family.

I miss speaking to Helen and her team so often they became such a huge part of our life for so long, but lucky the calls now are about investment and D's future because thanks to Darby's he has one, and not about going to London on a Friday afternoon for an appointment!!!!!.