Three-Year-Old Takes First Steps Against the Odds

Jodi Newton

A three-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, who doctors believed would never walk, took her first steps on the first day of lockdown.

Felicity’s Incredible Journey

Felicity Edgar was starved of oxygen at birth due to delays in performing a necessary caesarean section, resulting in cerebral palsy—an incurable condition. Despite medical predictions that she would never walk or talk, Felicity has amazed everyone by taking her first steps with a walker.

Born on April 11, 2017, at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in Hammersmith, Felicity faced immediate challenges. Errors during her mother Amber’s otherwise normal pregnancy meant Felicity was oxygen-deprived at birth and required immediate resuscitation.

A Lockdown Miracle

Felicity’s mum, Amber, 24, described the emotional moment:

“When Felicity was born we nearly lost her. Doctors told us she would never walk or talk, but she has proved everyone wrong—she is our lockdown miracle. She had a walker before, but never felt comfortable enough to take steps. On our way to the sweet shop, she suddenly started walking. It was incredible—the best moment of my life. Now, we can’t stop her; she’s always grabbing her shoes, wanting to walk. It has cost us a lot in sweets!”

Amber, a trainee chef from Crayford, Kent, added:

“Doctors initially thought she wouldn’t survive the night, so we had her christened that day. Felicity has proved she’s a fighter, overcoming predictions about walking and talking. She makes me incredibly proud.”

Hospital Admits Errors

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust acknowledged that the care provided to Felicity during labour was below standard and that appropriate care could have prevented her neurological damage. The Trust has since facilitated the family’s move to a larger home, better suited to Felicity’s physical needs.

Legal Support

Jodi Newton, a clinical negligence solicitor representing Felicity and Amber, said:

“Felicity’s determination is truly inspirational. Despite initial fears about her future, she took her first steps during lockdown, and now there’s no stopping her. We appreciate the Trust’s admission of mistakes and their swift compensation to help the family secure suitable accommodation and necessary rehabilitation.”

How we can help

Contact us today for compassionate legal support in claiming compensation for your child’s cerebral palsy. We’ll navigate the complexities of your case, ensuring you receive the care and compensation your family deserves.

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