A 12-YEAR-OLD boy who was the victim of clinical negligence during his birth at Burnley General Hospital, has been awarded a record £2.5 million in a High Court settlement.

The Manchester court award to Carl Fyles, who suffers from cerebral palsy, marks the culmination of a years-long battle for justice by his parents Kevin and Jacqui Fyles, of Stanbury Drive, Burnley.

The settlement is the largest ever made against the former Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Health Authority, which admitted clinical negligence.

It will provide the lively, active and intelligent youngster, who needs round-the-clock attention, with the care he requires for the rest of his life, according to a spokesman for Blackpool solicitors and medical claims specialists Lonsdales, who handled the case for the family.

The family intends to move to a purpose-built home to suit Carl's needs and there will be a live-in carer.

Part of the settlement will go towards providing Carl with his own private accommodation when he reaches the age of 21 if he chooses it, said solicitor Melanie Jain.

The settlement is the second major success for the Fyles, who successfully fought Lancashire Education Authority in 1991 for Carl to have mainstream education.

The family took legal action after visiting Burnley Community Health Council secretary Jeff Haydock shortly after the birth.

Mr Haydock, now an executive with Lonsdales, advised them to seek legal advice and pursue the matter.

Today he said: "The family showed great courage and determination in continuing a very long and difficult legal ordeal.

"They are a very caring and intelligent family and have ensured a good quality of life for Carl for the rest of his life."

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