Teenager died after sneezing fit

The student loved outdoor sports and planned to become a chef

A teenager has died from a haemorrhage brought on by a sneezing fit while on a camping holiday with his family.

Anthony Dean Rice, 18, of Bancffosfelen near Llanelli, started sneezing and suddenly collapsed after complaining of a popping sound in one of his ears.

His family paid tribute to a "bubbly" youngster who lived life to the full, despite being born with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis.

More than 300 mourners attended his funeral in west Wales.

Frantic efforts were made to revive the Coleg Sir Gâr, Carmarthenshire, student - known as Dean - when he collapsed at the campsite at Scarborough.

His condition never stopped him from doing anything Stewart Rice, Dean's father

His father Stewart said: "We arrived at the campsite about lunchtime and Dean was right as rain."

The youngster, who planned a career in catering, had been helping to prepare the evening meal and had been out for a walk.

"Dean was sitting on a chair inside the tent - he had been sneezing before a little bit but we just put it down to hay fever.

"He sneezed twice, then there was one tremendous sneeze and he said something had popped in his ear. With that he just collapsed on the floor."

'In limbo'

His mother Christine and elder sister Nikkita tried to revive him and he was taken to hospital by ambulance but pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

"Nikky was just 11 months older than Dean and they were more like twins. Dean adored her and she loved him." added Mr Rice.

"He was bubbly and he would help anyone. He attended the special needs unit at Cross Hands and they went abseiling and canoeing.

"Any task you put in front of him he would do. He loved cooking and was helping his auntie prepare the meal the day it happened."

Dean's condition had left him with restricted eyesight and disabilities down one side of his body.

His family have spoken following the tragedy on 24 June to raise awareness of neurofibromatosis.

"Despite this he was leading practically a normal life. His condition never stopped him from doing anything," said Mr Rice.

"We are sort of in limbo at the moment but his presence is still here in the house and it's very comforting to us."