DEVASTATED parents told today of how their son who died tragically just six weeks before graduating will still be awarded his degree.Daniel Thrower, of Broom Hill Road, was discovered dead in his dorm at Portsmouth University by one of his flatmates on April 27.

DEVASTATED parents told today of how their son who died tragically just six weeks before graduating will still be awarded his degree.

Daniel Thrower, of Broom Hill Road, was discovered dead in his dorm at Portsmouth University by one of his flatmates on April 27.

It is thought he had slipped into a diabetic coma.

Parents Melvin, 59, and Jacqueline, 49, said their son was a typical teenager – fun loving, a practical joker and most of all dedicated to his studies.

Mrs Thrower said: "He was studying for a degree in economics, science and banking and was working so hard to get it.

"Although he didn't get to sit his final exams the university are going to do an overall assessment of his work to give him a grade.

"I hope to go to his graduation and pick up the certificate and meet all of his friends and tutors who have all sent so many lovely sympathy cards."

Daniel, 20, had attended Westbourne High School before university and had a part time job in clothing store Gap during his holidays.

He was also a member of the 24th Ipswich Scout Group when he was younger.

He had been diagnosed with Type One diabetes at the age of 13 which means he was unable to produce any insulin and had regular insulin injections and a strict diet.

Mrs Thrower said: "It was my one fear that he would have problems related to his diabetes when he decided to go to university but we had to let him go. He was so independent.

"You couldn't stop him if he had his mind set on something but it was always in the back of my mind.

Mrs Thrower said that Daniel had wanted to run the London marathon next year in aid of a diabetes charity and now in the event of his death his 23-year-old sister, Laura, is thinking of doing it in his place.

"He was just such a cheeky person. He loved life and he was always smiling. He would always play practical jokes on my mother and she would always fall for them. He would end up making her act as mad as a hatter, which was always fun to watch," she added.

"He was just a typical teenager you know, going to nightclubs, hanging around with friends, and taking part in pub quizzes. He loved to do that."

The family is still waiting for post mortem results and an inquest has been opened and adjourned.

Daniel's funeral will take place at the West Chapel at Ipswich Crematorium on Friday at 2pm.

His family have asked anyone wanting to donate funds into the research of diabetes to contact Diabetes UK on 0800 371455.

Would you like to pay tribute to Daniel? Write in to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk