A MAN left brain damaged after being given twice the intended dose of radiotherapy because of a 'disastrous error' at The Christie hospital has won a £7 million NHS compensation package.

The payout, more than 20 years after the medical disaster, is thanks to the 'dogged determination' of the man's parents, Mr Justice Warby told London's High Court.

Now 40, he was just 19 when he underwent successful surgery for a brain tumour. He was then referred to The Christie in Withington for radiotherapy.

But an 'arithmetical error' led to him being given double the dose he should have had, said the judge.

This 'significant overdose of radiation' led to a brain injury and 'profound neurological problems', he added.

The man, who cannot be identified due to his vulnerability, now has problems with his mobility, dexterity, vision, speech and memory.

His lawyers sued The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, for damages.

And the NHS trust has now agreed to pay him a lump sum, together with index-linked annual payments to cover the costs of his care.

The capitalised value of the payout is £7 million, the court heard.

NHS counsel, Philip Havers QC, apologised on the trust's behalf for the 'disastrous error made in this case which led to his damage and his very significant long-term problems'.

The trust 'now employs some of the most sophisticated checking systems available to ensure that this type of error could never happen again', added the barrister.

He praised the 'devoted care' provided to the man by his parents.

Mr Justice Warby agreed, adding that 'tribute must be paid to their dogged determination' in pursuing this case.

"To pursue this case over 20 years takes an unusual degree of courage and resolve," said the judge.

Speaking after the hearing, his family said: "No amount of money can ever replace the life he has lost, but it can and will secure his future.

"It is hoped the NHS have learned lessons so that this tragic event cannot happen again and ruin some other young person's life.

"We would like to thank all the parties involved for their help in bringing this case to a just and rightful conclusion after 21 years of pain and suffering."

The man's solicitor, Melissa Gardner, said outside court: "The mistakes made by the hospital have had life-changing consequences for the man and his family.

"At the time of his injury, he was starting a career and at some point planned to marry and have a family of his own.

"The overdose set his life on a completely different track.

"The family has fought extremely hard to secure compensation for their son who should be commended for their care and perseverance."