Special Recognition Award Provides ‘Massive Boost’ For Family OF Brain-Injured Boy

By Helen MacGregor

The family of an inspirational youngster who won the special recognition award at last years’ Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards says the achievement was a massive boost for the 13-year-old as the event is set to honour another group of young people.

The Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards 2013 takes place on Friday 4th October at New Dock Hall in Leeds. Its aim is to honour deserving young people in the county while raising funds for both UK and overseas charities.

Among the inspiring winners one year ago was thirteen year-old Oscar Bates-Teixeira from Leeds who was born a healthy and happy baby but was sadly diagnosed with cancer aged just two. He bravely underwent chemotherapy and surgery but because of further complications part of his bowel had to be removed.

Oscar managed to fight off cancer but suffered severe brain injuries as a result of medical negligence during the post-operative care, leaving him paralysed down his left-hand side and with learning difficulties. Despite the setbacks Oscar has shown tremendous courage and tackled each hurdle with the same bravery and determination.

Since winning the special recognition award last year Oscar’s condition has continued to improve. He is now eating better and without the help of feeding tubes, and is enjoying using a special walking frame several times per day.

Oscar’s mother, Lynn Bates, said: “We were incredibly proud that Oscar was nominated for this award and for him to receive public recognition is just fantastic and a real boost for all the family.

“The children at the awards are just so inspirational and I know from my personal experiences with Oscar how much it means to everyone just to be involved in the event let alone win an award.

“Over the past year Oscar has become much happier and we have a routine to our lives that we never thought we would get. Just simple things such as going to school on time and being able to get out and about more with his carers has made a huge difference to his life.”

Because of the physical and mental difficulties Oscar now has, he will require round the clock care and rehabilitation for the rest of his life. Irwin Mitchell’s Medical Law Team secured him a seven-figure settlement, plus further funds for annual care to help him access specialist support as well as cover the costs of modifications to his home to improve his quality of life.

The settlement funds awarded to Oscar are carefully managed by the specialist Court of Protection Team to ensure the funds are able to provide him with care for the rest of his life.

Joanne Fraser, from Irwin Mitchell’s Court of Protection Team in Leeds, said: “The Yorkshire Children of Courage and Achievement Awards truly are an inspiration and a great way of honouring youngsters who have battled serious injuries or illnesses or who have shown their dedication to raising money for charity and caring for their loved ones.

“We meet a lot of children like Oscar who have suffered serious injuries but show tremendous strength in their recovery and rehabilitation.”

Irwin Mitchell is sponsoring the award for Outstanding Bravery by a child up to 12 years old this year which will recognise an individual who has put themselves in danger to help or save the life of another.

Jo Fraser added: “The people we help have often had their lives turned upside down as a result of suffering a serious head injury. The impact of brain and spinal injuries can be utterly devastating for the victims and their families and are almost always life-changing.

“Our clients show remarkable strength, determination and willpower to come to terms with the injuries they have suffered and often need long-term care and support to help them rebuild their lives and achieve the best possible quality of life in the long-term. That’s why it is great to be able to recognise their positive attitudes at the Yorkshire Children of Courage and Achievement awards.”

To find out more information about the awards please visit www.yorkshirechildren.co.uk.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise relating to Court of Protection