World Cerebral Palsy Day Is On 6 October

The mother of an eight-year-old boy from Liversedge with cerebral palsy has spoken out about his “determination” to progress despite the daily challenges he faces as a result of his condition.

Zach Eagling was born in June 2011 and suffered a brain injury due to a delayed resuscitation following his delivery at birth.  He was then diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which affects his mobility and cognitive development.

The condition means that Zach requires specialist care and equipment to enable him in his day-to-day life.  He is also supported by his mum Claire Keer, who he lives with.

Following Zach’s diagnosis, Claire instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the care provided to him at birth.  With World Cerebral Palsy Day taking place on 6 October, she is now joining with her legal team to raise awareness of the condition and how it affects Zach.

Expert Opinion

“Zach is such a lovely boy who faces numerous difficulties in his everyday life due to his cerebral palsy.

Claire is a great support to her son and is very attentive to his needs, but she understandably finds some days more challenging than others.

We are currently investigating what caused Zach to develop cerebral palsy and we will continue to support him and Claire by helping them access the specialist services they need.

With World Cerebral Palsy Day approaching, it is important to raise awareness of the condition and what support is out there to help those affected by it.”
Rachelle Mahapatra - Partner

Zach was born at full term following an uncomplicated pregnancy.  He was pale and floppy and required resuscitation.  However, there were problems intubating Zach and it took around 10 minutes before he was ventilated.  He was then transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit and ventilated for two days.

Zach was three-years-old when he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.  His mobility is very limited and he requires assistance, including a wheelchair, to get about.  However, Claire has told her legal team that Zach is now doing a lot more walking independently.

Zach regularly sees a speech and language therapist and occupational therapist, as well as a physiotherapist to help with his movement.  He also suffers from epilepsy and is under hospital care for this.

Claire said: “When I was first told about Zach’s cerebral palsy I was devastated, but I am so proud of the progress he has made over the years, and his determination has a lot to do with it. 

“He is doing well at school and loves reading and writing.  He is working at the national level for all areas and is even working towards exceeding some, which is incredible.

“I carry out most of Zach’s care and it can be challenging at times as he suffers from behavioural problems, but this is usually when he is hungry or tired so I make sure I always have something with me that he can eat.

“His speech is okay.  People who know him can understand what he is saying and it is something that we are working on with his therapist.

“We have had amazing support from family and friends, and we wanted to share Zach’s story as part of World Cerebral Palsy Day to help raise awareness of the condition and show others that there is help out there.”

World Cerebral Palsy (CP) Day is on Sunday, 6 October. The aim of the awareness raising day is to ensure that children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in our society.

There are an estimated 30,000 children with cerebral palsy in the UK. It is often caused by injuries during birth and leaves those affected with varying conditions that affect muscle control and movement. They may also have learning difficulties, epilepsy and communication difficulties.

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