by Andy Gray

agray@thekmgroup.co.uk

A family could be in line for a huge payout after a petting farm at the centre of a potentially fatal outbreak of E.coli admitted liability.

Twins Todd and Aaron Furnell were among 93 victims of the virus following a visit to Godstone Farm in Surrey between August and September 2009.

The boys, now aged three, suffered kidney failure and spent weeks in St Thomas’ Hospital, London after being infected with the bacteria.

Their older sister also contracted the bug, but recovered quickly.

Tracy Mock, the youngsters’ mother, was part of an action group whose claim for liability was successfully taken up by law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse.
Ms Mock, from Paddock Wood, said: “As a family we have suffered significant pain and distress and may still not know for many years to come the long-term consequences for the twins’ health.

“In the light of the farm’s decision, we can take comfort in the fact that Todd, Aaron and the other children affected by this will have the financial support they need to deal with their current health problems and any that arise later in their lives.”

Medical evidence obtained during litigation indicated that Todd and Aaron have impaired kidney function.

Molly Knight, seven, a pupil at South Borough School in Maidstone, is also among the 27 children being represented by the law firm.
Some of the youngsters are said to be at risk of renal failure, which could lead to kidney transplants in future years.

Matthew Knight, Molly’s father, said his daughter suffered for months after contracting the bug, but is now doing well.

He said: “We feel very lucky. Our thoughts go to the Furnell twins who are still suffering.
“We’re delighted to hear the farm has come to a sensible decision.”

It was argued that the farm near Redhill was negligent in the way it handled the outbreak.
An independent investigation, published last year by the Health Protection Agency, found the outbreak could have been avoided if measures had been taken to limit exposure to animal faeces, which put people at risk of contracting E.coli.

The level of compensation awarded to the families will be decided at a court hearing later this year.

Jill Greenfield, a partner at Field Fisher Waterhouse said: “Godstone Farm’s confirmation that they will not contest the claim is a welcome decision for all families involved in the outbreak and an important step in recognising the danger that E.Coli 0157 poses to young children.

“To have toddlers seriously ill on dialysis, as many parents did, is simply horrific.

“We will only know the long-term implications when the children get older.
“These families live with the long-term worry that at some point in their life their children will develop a life threatening complication such as kidney failure because of a fun day out at a farm.”

A comment from the farm is pending.