A FATHER died after doctors failed to diagnose a rare condition which blocked his airways and left him struggling to breathe.

Tony Cartwright, 39, died from brain damage in 2008 after doctors at Harrogate District Hospital failed to diagnose rare condition epiglottitis.

The hospital has since paid out damages to Tony’s widow, Debra Cartwright, 52, after admitting liability for the HGV driver’s death.

Six years after Mr Cartwright’s death, an inquest at Northallerton Coroner’s has revealed how his widow was traumatised by the events surrounding her husband’s death.

Mr Cartwright was taken to Harrogate Hospital at night from Manor Farm near Skelton-on-Ure.

The inquest into his death yesterday revealed how Harrogate nurse Teresa MacLeod had suggested epiglottitis to her colleague as a possible diagnosis for the breathing problems, but said she didn’t hear the condition mentioned by consultants at the hospital.

The liability of the hospital has not been discussed in the first day of the inquest. Consultants who treated Mr Cartwright will today give evidence.