Fresh ordeal for grieving family of teen girl with rare degenerative disease who died fighting NHS legal battle to get doctors to withdraw treatment as they’re told to repay thousands in child care benefit [Video]

16:55 EDT 26 Apr 2024, updated 17:56 EDT 26 Apr 2024

The grieving family of a teenager who died while locked in an end-of-life legal battle with the NHS is being forced to repay thousands of pounds in child care benefits.

Sudiksha Thirumalesh, 19, who had a rare degenerative disease, died last September as she fought doctors’ attempts to withdraw treatment and move her to end-of-life care.

In a fresh blow to her family, the Department for Work and Pensions has claimed the A-level pupil was not entitled to the childcare element of the Universal Credit paid before her death because she was in hospital for more than six months.

Her devastated parents, who already spent their life savings on legal fees fighting the NHS, have been left facing demands to cough up almost £5,000, despite keeping the benefits department up to date with their daughter’s plight.

‘This has come as another devastating blow to our family. It feels like …