A MAN left brain damaged after being starved of oxygen at birth has died at the age of 22.

Tributes have been paid to “happy and fun-loving” Harry Chapman, who passed away at the Martlets Hospice in Hove earlier this month.

Harry’s life had been hugely affected by what happened to him but his parents Shirley and Paul described him as “beautiful and brave”.

They also said the family held no malice against the hospital about the incidents surrounding his birth and were grateful for all the medical care and support he had received during his life.

Harry and his family were awarded substantial damages when they took legal action against the former East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Health Authority.

He had suffered complications during his birth at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton.

The money they were awarded meant they were able to move from their Brighton home into a house in Hove that could accommodate all of Harry’s needs, including special adaptations and wheelchair access to all areas of the house and garden.

Harry, who had an older brother Jamie, and sister Sarah, 29, had cerebral palsy and needed 24-hour care as he was not mobile.

His parents said communication with Harry was never a problem.

They said: “Our communication with Harry was that we knew him and sometimes an unspoken word speaks millions.

“All our carers knew him and cared for him for years so we were and he was very lucky. Communication was not a problem.

“He led a very active life. He had a large group of friends all with various disabilities.

“Harry loved to play practical jokes. He was always laughing. He loved bowling and swimming.

“We have been so fortunate in having such wonderful carers, and for their love and care we thank them.

“Harry had been a very brave young man and an inspiration to all his family. We are so lucky he chose us to be his parents.

“We came to terms with Harry’s disabilities many years ago and hold no malice to anyone.”

Harry also leaves a long extended family, including nephews Harrison, eight, and Hayden, four, and niece Freya, nine.

His funeral will take place at Worthing Crematorium on Thursday at 1pm.

The family have asked for flowers only but donations can be made to Martlets Hospice, Chailey Heritage or Scope via HD Tribe in Broadwater Road, Worthing.