Epileptic fit death of Barrowford man (31)

Christopher Ashton who lived in Bank Fold died on August 30th last year.

The pathologist who undertook the post mortem, Dr Abdul Al-Dawoud, told the inquest at Burnley Coroner’s Court the most likely cause of death was an epileptic fit.

Mr Ashton, who had been a keen sportsman, was suffering from a rare genetic condition, Ehrlas Danlos Syndrome, which was diagnosed after sustaining a knee injury while playing football aged 17.

The syndrome meant his joints were very lax and although he underwent numerous operations they were all unsuccessful.

Because of this, his life became increasingly difficult. He had trouble sleeping and was in constant chronic pain and later began to have fits.

His parents Christine and Michael, also of Bank Fold, were at the inquest on Tuesday.

Mrs Ashton said: “He had a very difficult time. We did not know about his condition until he was 17. He had problems producing collagen and all his joints became very lax.

“Even just moving the bedding his knee would dislocate. The pain he went through was very severe but he still managed to hold down a good job.

“He did not sleep at all and it was very deliberating for him, then about a year or so ago he had a perforated gastric ulcer. There were many complications from the pain killers which led to a collapsed lung.”

East Lancashire Coroner Richard Taylor recorded a verdict of natural causes.