SIX-YEAR-OLD cerebral palsy sufferer Kaysie Bland is set to lead a “phenomenal life” after been awarded a substantial NHS compensation payout.

The Netherton youngster was left with permanent brain damage after allegedly being starved of oxygen for 31 minutes during her traumatic birth at Wordsley Hospital.

Her injuries left her unable to crawl, walk, talk or even eat on her own and completely dependant on her mum, 34- year-old Jane Robinson, who cares for Kaysie-Jane single handedly around the clock.

In 2007, the Dudley News launched an appeal to buy Kaysie the vital but expensive specialist disability equipment she desperately needed.

Generous readers held numerous fundraising events and donated more than £8,000 to the appeal, allowing Jane to purchase a specialist trike, a disability child seat and a walking frame, as well as transforming Kaysie’s bedroom into an interactive sensory room, complete with fibre optic carpet, tunnels, fibre optic strands and bubble lamps.

But Kaysie is now able to live as full a life as possible after Jane sued Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, claiming clinical negligence in failing to accelerate delivery despite signs of foetal distress.

In an out-of-court settlement, which was finalised at London’s High Court, Mr Justice Tugendhat approved a substantial lump sum, plus annual one-off payments direct from court to cover the cost of Kaysie’s care for as long as she lives.

Agreeing the settlement, the hospital trust’s barrister, Ben Browne QC, stressed it had been reached without any admission of liability.

Speaking exclusively to the News, Jane said she was glad the long, drawn-out process had finally ended, adding the money – which is to be held under court protection – would make a huge difference to Kaysie’s life.

She said: “No amount of money in the world could ever cure her or give her back the life she should have had but it will make her life much easier and make it possible for me to give her the best of everything.

“It is difficult enough having a disabled child without having to fight for specialist equipment and raise money for it because it is just so expensive.”

Jane added: “You don’t get everything given to you just because your child has disabilities. I think it is wrong that you have to fight and beg all the time for equipment and help, which is why I am so grateful to the Dudley News and all of its readers for their kindness and donations towards Kaysie’s appeal over the last few years.

“Without everyone’s help, I would not have been able to provide Kaysie with the things she needs.” Jane and Kaysie are now hoping to move into a bigger house, which can be specially adapted for the little girl’s needs.

Jane said: “I’m hoping for a swimming pool as Kaysie loves swimming and hydrotherapy is really important.

“I’m also hoping to get her a disability swing and trampoline for the garden as there are hardly any disability friendly playground facilities in the parks nearby.”

The money will also allow Jane to regularly take Kaysie to the Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy Centre in Bedfordshire.

Kaysie first started going to the centre in 2008 to improve her muscle development, strength and balance.

But costing £900 a week, Jane struggled to send her there often.

“It was so expensive, I couldn’t afford it and I couldn’t afford to stay there myself for a week. But now we can make this a regular visit as I saw such a big improvement,” said Jane.

“I was amazed at how quickly there was an improvement, so it will be great to get that up and running as soon as possible.”

Kaysie is also continuing to strive at school, which her mum says she loves attending.

Jane said: “The staff are really chuffed with her and she is really happy. She loves being with other children. She is in a class with children with similar disabilities and I’ve seen a big difference in herself since she started.

“She just loves being out of the house and away from mum.”

Speaking in court, the judge paid tribute to Jane for her “exemplary devotion”.

She said: “I was very touched with what he said to me. He said Kaysie shouldn’t have been the child she is today.

“I know she shouldn’t be here and every day I see the sparkle in her eyes I’m amazed she ever made it out of hospital. She obviously comes from good stock.”

Jane added: “What I hope comes from this story is that other mums and dads who are facing similar situations fight for what is right.

“Kaysie needs the help and support now. She needs therapies now and I’m so grateful she has that safety net which will ensure I can help her with whatever she needs and ensure there are funds available if I’m not around to care for her.

“This money will make it possible for me to make her life as comfortable as I can.

“It may not be a life which is as long as other children but at least I can make it a phenomenal life and make sure she is as healthy and as happy as she can be.”

Hospital trust chief executive Paula Clark said: “The Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like to wish Kaysie-Jane and her caring family all the very best for the future and we are pleased that financial settlement has been approved by the court.”