Boy who suffered severe brain damage at birth to receive multimillion-pound NHS payout

Thomas Hord, seven, was starved of oxygen for 20 minutes during his birth in March 2009.

As a result, Thomas now has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and needs round-the-clock care.

He and his parents, Christopher and Samantha Hord, won the praise of a senior judge at the High Court today (Tuesday, May 10). Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust agreed to settle a claim brought on behalf of Thomas, and will pay a £2.5m lump sum. He will also receive payments of £100,000-a-year, increasing to £245,000 as he gets older, to provide for his care needs.

Mr Justice Warby said: “I would like to express my admiration for the parents’ work and devotion to the care of their son, particularly in light of the pressures of work and family matters, that have no doubt made it even more difficult.

“The court wishes the family the very best for the future.”

Margaret Bowron QC, for the trust, also praised the parents - and Thomas - for all they have achieved since his birth.

She added: “As far as this young boy is concerned, he has obviously had enormous hurdles to overcome in his short life and he has done so with incredible enthusiasm and resolve.

“That is, in part, due to his own personality, but it is also as a result of the dedication of his parents.

“He has shown fortitude and they have shown extraordinary love and consideration for all of his very many needs.

“He is plucky and determined and lucky to have them, and I’m sure they consider themselves lucky to have him.”

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