A REPORT that reveals a high proportion of epilepsy-related deaths could have been avoided has been welcomed by a Bewdley woman who lost her son.

The Government-funded report found 39 per cent of adult deaths and 59 per cent of child deaths were "potentially avoidable" and criticised poor medical management of the condition.

Chris Jones, aged 59, of Stourport Road, is keen to see an end to the stigma surrounding the UK's most common neurological problem, which affects more than 300,000 people.

Her son, Daniel Watkins was 23 when he collapsed and died without warning eight years ago.

Mrs Jones and her husband, Gren, admit epilepsy is a "taboo subject" but hope the report will be a major step forward in understanding the condition.

Former Bewdley High School pupil Daniel had moved to live with his sister Elizabeth in Worcester, where he worked for the county council's treasury department, but died while reading the Sunday papers.

"Historically, epilepsy has had a very low profile," said Daniel's stepfather, Mr Jones.

"People don't like talking about anything to do with the brain. There is still a stigma. Daniel didn't want anyone to know about his condition. It was hush-hush."

The report, timed to coincide with National Epilepsy Week, which ends on Saturday, was produced by Epilepsy Bereaved - the group with which the family sought solace following Daniel's death.

It found many deaths had not been adequately investigated and has been cited as a "wake-up call" to the medical profession.

Epilepsy Bereaved can be contacted on 01235 77852.