A STAR trainee RAF fighter pilot left horrendously brain damaged after botched hospital treatment this week began a High Court fight for a massive £6.7 million in damages.

Junior officer Christopher Lynham, 27, won the sword of honour as best man in his year at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire and was an 'outstanding young man' before oxygen starvation during a stay at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary in May 1998 left him so disabled he needs 24-hour care, the court in London heard.

Through his father, Michael, Christopher is suing Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust, who admit liability for the tragedy.

Now, a five-day High Court hearing will assess the level of damages he will be awarded.

Oxford graduate Christopher was 24 when he suffered head and abdominal injuries after crashing his motorbike into a stationary car at 20mph on May 4 1998.

Christopher, who now lives under the care of Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust at Westfield Road, Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, was taken to the RLI for treatment.

But two days later he suffered a massive heart attack, during which he stopped breathing, cutting off the air supply to his brain and causing the devastating damage.

Peter Andrews QC, for Christopher, told Mr Justice Garland at the outset of the trial: "The trust now accept that with proper treatment he would have made a complete and swift recovery.

In fact he received treatment which is now admitted to have been negligent."

He added that failure to properly react to and monitor Christopher's injuries led him to suffering the prolonged cardiac arrest on May 6.

Mr Andrews went on to tell the court how Christopher - who excelled at boxing, rowing and rugby and was captain of sports at college - was highly regarded by his commanding officers and fellow cadets.

"He was an outstanding young man, with exceptional ability and above average potential both as an officer and a pilot," he said.

Quoting form Christopher's commanding officer, he called him a: "Natural pilot with all the qualities needed to go on to become an officer."

He had also been described as: A mature and effective leader who commanded the respect of his colleagues," and: "A man of considerable ability who performed to an exceptional standard during pilot training."

It had been predicted that Christopher would swiftly move through the ranks to squadron leader wing commander, group captain or even further, said Mr Andrews.

He then turned to the impact of the brain damage on Christopher and his family, saying: "It has had a profound effect on him and a huge impact on his family.

"It is four years since he suffered his massive brain damage and no further improvement is likely.

"He suffered profound brain damage which had an overwhelming impact on his frontal lobe function and left him totally incapable of looking after himself or organising normal human activities.

"His previously considerable cognitive skills were largely destroyed, with the removal of his ability to look after himself.

He now requires 24 hour care, assistance and support."

Mr Andrews added that Christopher is currently awaiting transfer to a new home in Southampton, eight miles from his brother, Adrian's home in Eastleigh, Hampshire, who will help to care for Christopher.

"All the members of the family have provided care and support in different ways," he said.

He added that Adrian and his parents, Michael and Hilary, had: "Pulled together as a family for Christopher's benefit," despite his parents being divorced.

"They reacted as any loving and caring family would do - they put Christopher first although it wasn't easy for them."