A FORMER Brierley Hill girl left disabled after being deprived of oxygen at birth has been awarded a £3.5million payout.

Leanne Boden, aged 14, suffers with cerebral palsy after what her family claims were delays during her birth at Wordsley Hospital in June 1994.

Following a 12-year legal battle - Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust finally agreed a settlement before the case was due to be heard at Birmingham High Court.

Leanne, who moved with her family from Bull Street in 2005 and now lives in Newport, South Wales, will be given £1.35million up front.

She will then receive yearly payments of £25,000, rising to £78,000 when she turns 18.

Mum Paula Bishop, who launched legal action shortly after Leanne was diagnosed in 1996, said the money would ensure her daughter received the best possible care for the rest of her life.

Paula said: “I am relieved it is all over - we have been waiting and waiting. A lot of medical consultants have been involved.

“I believed the hospital were to blame - I don’t think it needed to take this amount of time.

“It means an awful lot to us because we know Leanne will be looked after - we want her to have the best care available.”

Paula revealed Leanne’s condition severely restricts her movement, meaning she requires round the clock care.

She added: “Leanne’s limbs are very weak, she cannot use her right side at all and is housebound unless we go out with her.

“The money will mean Leanne can pay for a carer and get physio equipment.”

Jenny Shone, of Birmingham’s Anthony Collins solicitors who handled the case for the family, said the legal procedures had been “extremely stressful” for their clients.

She added: “This has been made more so by the marked reluctance of the Trust to concede responsibility for Leanne’s injuries.”

Paul Farenden, chief executive of the Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The Trust are pleased a settlement has now been agreed by the parties in the ongoing litigation against the Trust.

“The Trust hope this will provide for Leanne's ongoing requirements and will enable her to live as normal and enjoyable a life as is possible in the circumstances.

“The Trust pays tribute to the dedicated care that has been provided to Leanne by her family during this difficult time."