Disabled teen was a fighter

The family of a disabled teenager, who has died at the age of 18, say he was a "fighter" who defied doctors and will be sorely missed.Carl Michael Smith, 18, of Blenheim Close, Oswestry, was born with cerebral palsy and died at home on January 2 of pneumonia.

Today, his family said he defied doctors who did not expect him to live to the age of 18. They have also praised the staff at Hope House Children's Hospice in Morda, near Oswestry, where Carl received care and also Oak House, an NHS unit in Shrewsbury.

His father, also named Carl Smith, said: "He had a lot of problems, a twisted spine, epilepsy, he couldn't eat, couldn't drink, couldn't walk or talk or do anything for himself.

"His mum looked after him. He wouldn't have lived as long as he did without her.

"We have been expecting it for years but he kept fighting off every chest infection he had.

"Six or seven years ago they said he wouldn't last long. But I used to go back to the doctors with his appointments and say 'he's doing well isn't he' and they said 'yes he's a fighter'."

Carl attended Hope House 18 nights a year with additional stays if there were cancellations as he was local.

And Mr Smith, and Carl's mum Jackie Smith, say the staff there were "amazing."

"They are amazing people," said Mr Smith.

"He used to go to Oak House in Shrewsbury as well and they were good there too."

Carl also attended Severndale Specialist School in Shrewsbury, which caters for the needs of a range of pupils with difficulties and disabilities.

Mrs Smith added: "He will be missed. A lot of people will miss him."

Carl was also brother to Dean, 32, and Rebecca, 24.

His funeral service will be held on Monday at noon at Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry, followed by interment in Oswestry Cemetery.

The family has requested family flowers only. Donations can be sent to Hope House Children's Hospice.