Family Of Eight-Year-Old Mark National Campaign

The mum of a Weston-super-Mare boy with cerebral palsy has spoken of his determination to live like any other child his age despite the challenges he faces.

Jacob Moore was born at St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol in October 2012.  Shortly afterwards, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.  Since then, he has developed motor difficulties, cognitive difficulties and epilepsy.

Following Jacob’s diagnosis, his mum Elizabeth instructed medical negligence experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his birth and the care they both received under the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust which runs St Michael’s Hospital.

After investigation, the hospital Trust admitted there were breaches of duty in respect of the inadequate management of medication administered to Elizabeth to stimulate her uterus.  However, the extent of any damage caused by this is not yet certain.

The family is now joining with the legal team in marking Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month by sharing Jacob’s story and how he enjoys life despite the challenges he is faced with.

Expert Opinion

“Jacob is an inspirational young man and shows such determination to live life to the full just like any other child his age.

He is a great example of not letting physical barriers stop him from doing what he wants.

Through our work, we see how families can be affected by cerebral palsy, and with March being Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, it seemed the perfect time to share Jacob’s story.”
Eleri Davies - Senior Associate Solicitor

Jacob was born at 4.15pm on 5 October 2012 and went on to suffer a haemorrhage and subsequent brain damage.

Jacob lives with Elizabeth, his dad Dan and younger sister, Alice, aged four.

Over the years, he has had input from specialists in speech and language, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychology.

In addition, the team at Irwin Mitchell arranged for Jacob to get his own Tomcat trike in 2019.  It’s a specialist and innovative form of tricycle specifically designed to support those with different physical needs.  It gave him the opportunity to enjoy cycling which he had struggled with previously due to his lack of leg strength and core balance.

Jacob’s mum Elizabeth, 32, said: “When I was first told that Jacob had cerebral palsy, it was a huge shock and I was really concerned about what it would mean for his future.  It was all so overwhelming,

“However, Jacob is determined and doesn’t let things get in his way.  He is such a special young man and the whole family are delighted with the progress he continues to make.”

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