GODSTONE farm is facing compensation payouts of more than one million pounds to children affected by an E Coli breakout in 2009.
This morning, a judge awarded money to 10 of the 93 children who fell ill following a visit to the farm in Tillburstow Hill Road in September 2009 during one of the UK's biggest E Coli outbreaks.
The youngsters came into contact with E Coli 0157 - a virulent bacteria which is particularly found on farms. It attacks the kidneys, causing renal failure, and can lead to brain damage and death.
Of the 93 children exposed to the E Coli, 17 went on to develop Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) - a very serious illness which can also be fatal.
Following the incident, Professor George Griffin, an expert in infectious diseases from St George's, University of London, led an independent enquiry into the event and practices at the farm. He found that dozens of cases at Godstone could have been prevented if authorities had acted earlier.
Mark Bishop, from insurance company Allianz UK, released a statement on behalf of the farm.
He said: "This was a horrible incident which must have been deeply upsetting for the children and their families. All of us at Godstone Farm are truly sorry for the pain and suffering they have endured.
"We are grateful for the Griffin Enquiry which investigated the causes of the incident and recommended changes that needed to be made to the running of open farms. This has enabled us to improve our facilities and ensure the farm is a place where families can feel safe and enjoy the animals."
Godstone Farm was found to be wholly liable for the cases becuase the children involved had been washing their hands, but the antibacterial hand gels on offer were not sufficient to kill off the E Coli 0157 bacteria.
And farm bosses could face further payouts in the future after the court agreed the children in question – all of whom carry a life-long risk of illness and renal failure as a result – could reopen their individual cases if they suffer further complications.
Jill Greenfield, from legal firm Field Fisher Waterhouse Partner, which represented the children's parents, said: "The horror of what these children and their families have been through is difficult for anyone to describe. How do you explain to a scared, young child why they having to undergo painful treatments?
"Every parent only ever wants to do the best for the child. I can see that a day out to a farm is for many seen as a chance to get back to nature, from the rigours of the City and for children to meet and touch animals. But for a day out to end like this is utterly devastating."
A statement from the parents said: "All of this was caused by a Summer's day out to Godstone Farm. As parents, [we] did not know enough about E. coli 0157 at that time to understand the risks.
"Godstone Farm, on the other hand, should have been aware of the risks that E. coli 0157 posed to human health; but in our view, and that of the Griffin Inquiry, they failed to implement the necessary safety measures to protect these children."
It continued: "The parents would like to thank the amazing medical teams that helped to save their children's lives and to their wonderful family and friends for their love and support in what are difficult circumstances."
