Mum's heartbreak at switching teen son's life support off after horror crash left him brain dead

THE heartbroken mum of a teen boy left brain dead in a horror smash has spoken of their agony at switching off his life support machine.

Anthony Springett, 15, was travelling in a car in Gloucestershire when it was crushed by a lorry.

The teen, who had special needs, was rushed to hospital but his parents Lorraine and Michael were dealt the devastating blow he was brain dead.

They were forced to make the painful decision to switch off his life support two days later on August 29 – the day before his 16th birthday.

Speaking about her agony, Lorraine said: "When we made the decision to turn off his life support I had a moment where I thought 'I can't do this, I can't see him like that'.

"But then I remembered how I wasn't there when my mum died and I didn't want any regrets.

"I let my maternal instinct take over and I held his hand until it was all over. We all did – it was me, my husband, and my sister-in-law until the end.

"I'll never forget how peaceful he looked. The nurses made sure there were lots of candlelights and even had the radio playing.

"They were amazing, those little details really made it easier. We can't speak highly enough of them."

Anthony was deaf but mum Lorraine says her brave boy never let it phase him growing up.

And she remembered the teen, who has an 11-year-old sister, for how he overcame the challenge.

Lorraine said: "He had such an impact on everyone he met, he was a very likable lad.

"Because of his deafness the doctors said he'd never talk – but when he grew up he'd never stop talking."

Anthony attended Shrubberies School for children who have severe or profound learning difficulties.

The devastated family are now raising money for the school on a GoFundMe page.

Lorraine said: "He went to a special needs school in Stonehouse. It was his happy place, whenever he went there it was like a switch would flip.

"So we're trying to raise money for the school in his memory – they did so much for him and we want them to keep changing lives."

To donate, click here.

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