A Morpeth resident has spoken publicly for the first time about the traumatic birth of her son, who suffered brain damage as a result, and the aftermath.

Kayleigh Cockburn’s son Charlie has cerebral palsy affecting all four limbs. A claim was brought against the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that said a ‘catalogue of errors’ meant he was starved of oxygen at birth and will require care for the rest of his life.

The case was settled in January 2025. The trust did not admit to any form of negligence as part of that settlement.

Kayleigh has spoken in a short film produced by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) for its Rebuilding Shattered Lives initiative.

Kayleigh Cockburn and her son Charlie pictured during filming.

placeholder image — Kayleigh Cockburn and her son Charlie pictured during filming.

The 38-year-old said: “It’s shocking how many times they should have saved Charlie, and didn’t.

“When I was told he had irreversible brain damage, it made me feel like I was going to die. I could not speak. I was absolutely distraught.

“After Charlie was born, for two years I did not leave the house. I was at rock bottom. I did not really speak to my family. I could not bring myself to say the words cerebral palsy.”

Kayleigh fights back tears in the film as she explains they have taken away “the life that he was meant to have”.

She also said: “He has defied the odds. He has done so well. He was not meant to do any of the things that he is doing."

Today Charlie is aged 11 and is a “kind, caring and funny youngster”, who likes playing on his skateboard.

“He is 100 miles per hour but his body can’t always catch up all of the time, which is really sad," she added.

APIL’s chief executive Mike Benner said: “Kayleigh and Charlie’s generosity in sharing their story is a huge boost to Rebuilding Shattered Lives.

“It’s crucial that the law on compensation is protected, so that it is there for when any of us need help and support.”

A spokesperson for the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are sorry for the outcome in Charlie’s case and for the distress this has caused to him and his family.

“We hope that the settlement which was agreed will go some way in supporting him throughout his life and ensures he can receive the on-going care and support he needs.”