THE family of a young York mother who battled a rare medical condition for two years but died shortly before receiving vital treatment spoke today of their loss.

Julia Oldfield, aged 27, from Chesney Fields, Acomb, had been ill with thyrotoxicosis, a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland.

It is considered unusual for a thyrotoxicosis patient to die as a result of the condition.

But Julia passed away in her sleep just six days before she was due to start radioactive iodine treatment, a standard treatment for thyroid problems.

Julia's father, Malcolm, of Stirrup Close, Acomb, said: "It is very sad. She was a loving daughter and mother and will be sadly missed by us all."

Her mother, Pam, said: "I think we are all in shock. Julia loved life. She was a happy girl who loved a laugh, and now she is gone."

Pam said the thyroid problems began about two years ago, and first showed when Julia started to lose her hair.

But she said: "There were times when you would never have known anything was wrong, other times when she didn't look well at all.

"Even in the days before she died there was no massive decline, she was still up and down, good days and bad days."

Julia's sister Louise, 26, said: "We have always been really close, from when we were growing up to now. I'll really miss her."

Malcolm added: "We will always remember Julia, as will everyone else who knew and loved her. She had a great sense of humour, was very tolerant."

Doctor Tim Kenny, a GP who runs health website Patient UK, said: "Thyrotoxicosis is not normally a life-threatening condition, It can be a pretty awful condition to have. But it can also generally be treated and controlled."

Julia is survived by partner Peter, daughter Candice, eight, and five-year-old son Kane.

Her funeral is to take place at York Crematorium on Tuesday at 11.30am.

Updated: 09:33 Saturday, September 14, 2002