TRIBUTES have been paid to a talented artist with a zest for life who has died, aged 21.

Daniel McDermott, a former student at Philip Morant School, in Colchester, battled against cystic fibrosis throughout his life.

He was diagnosed with the disease when he was three and relied on oxygen supplies 24 hours a day.

His condition worsened in recent years and he died at his home in D’Arcy Way, Tolleshunt D’Arcy, surrounded by his family.

Mum Anne said: “Daniel had a zest for life within his limitations and restrictions.”

She described her son as having a God-given talent for art, which saw him create anything from clay modelling, to sketches and painting.

The heavy metal music lover, who enjoyed listening to Iron Maiden, was a self-taught guitarist.

Mrs McDermott said upbeat Daniel was very self-critical and determined to make the best of everything he did.

She said: “Since he was diagnosed, he took all the treatments he was given.

“He was very brave. Every treatment he had he said ‘I will deal with this. He was a people person and a great listener.

“He was also a great comforter and a very grounded person for his age.

“Everyone said how grown up he was, but he spent half his life in hospital surrounded by adults.”

Daniel, a huge Star Trek fan, needed a wheelchair to get out and about due to difficulty breathing.

As his condition worsened in his teenage years he was frequently admitted to Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.

Daniel attended Thurstable School, in Tiptree, until Year 9, but his ill-health meant he was not able to attend in his later years.

He later joined the sixth form at Philip Morant, where he studied art and had been full of ambition.

Dad Ian said his son had decided to make a living spray-painting motorcycle petrol tanks.

He described Daniel as a great joker with a quirky sense of humour, and a fan of comedy shows such as Fawlty Towers, Mr Bean and Dad’s Army.

Before he became too unwell, Daniel enjoyed riding his motorcycle. Daniel, who died on Thursday, also leaves brother Adam, 18.

The funeral takes place at St Mary the Immaculate Catholic Church, in Kelvedon, tomorrow at 11am.

It will be followed by a burial at Tolleshunt D’Arcy Cemetery and a gathering at the Queen’s Head pub.

Donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust Research or Papworth Hospital’s cystic fibrosis ward, c/o Eustace King 87 Church Road, Tiptree, CO5 0HB.