EPILEPSY claimed the life of 23-year-old Daniel Addyman, but his parents said he never thought his illness was life-threatening.

Chris and Catherine Addyman, of Shipton-by-Beningbrough, said their son was never made aware of the seriousness of his illness - a claim refuted by his doctors.

York coroner's court heard how Daniel, who had a history of blackouts, never believed he had epilepsy and had turned down medication to control his convulsions because of the possible side-affects.

"We were amazed when Daniel died," said Mrs Addyman, "Daniel never thought his condition was life-threatening - as far as he was concerned it was an inconvenience and he could put up with it."

In court, Mrs Addyman questioned Philip Duffy, a consultant neurologist at York Hospital, who was one of the doctors who treated Daniel.

She said: "Daniel was never told he was at risk of death. He was an intelligent young man, he would never have refused treatment from you or any doctor if he thought his life was at risk."

But Dr Duffy, who believed Daniel had epilepsy, said: "During the times I met with Daniel I mentioned death once and spoke to him about the risk of injury every time I met him.

"Daniel was the first person with his condition I'd mentioned death to as a patient and the consequences of epilepsy - I agonized over if for a long time before I did it."

On May 18, 2004, Daniel was found dead in his bedroom at home after suffering a fit.

Daniel's parents found him collapsed on his bedroom floor, after being woken by the family dog, Harry.

The court heard how the devastated couple tried to revive Daniel, but tragically he had died.

Daniel was being treated for low blood pressure, but had never suspected there was anything seriously wrong with him and he had gone to bed as normal on May 17, after walking Harry.

An autopsy carried out by York Hospital pathologist Dr Ian Reid recorded the cause of death as epilepsy and found Daniel's upper lip had been bitten and his bladder was empty - both possibly the result of a fit.

A further examination of his brain showed he had suffered some brain damage possibly as a result of a fall he suffered whilst at university a year earlier in May, 2003.

Daniel graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a BEng (Hons) in Automotive Engineering on his 23rd birthday, and, together with a friend, was setting up a business to design a racing car for a sports car class in the 750 Motor Club.

York Coroner Donald Coverdale recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.

Updated: 09:43 Saturday, April 23, 2005