A CAMPAIGNER who worked for the disabled after refusing to let his own illness stop him leading a full life has died aged 33.

Ainsley Heaton, who hailed from Kirkbymoorside, but lived at Wilberfoss, near York, was born with half a heart and other cardiac complications.

His mother, Jean Griffiths, said: "He had a severe heart condition which made him unique in what he did.

"He quietly fought against all the problems that it caused every day of his life, and he always made an extra effort to live a normal life. He never showed he was suffering and never played on his disability.

"He was a very determined young man and his life gives hope to other people. It shows what you can do if you set your mind to it."

Ainsley died on June 24 after becoming breathless and being taken to Leeds General Infirmary.

His determination was clearly shown when he went on a year-long trip round the world after being made redundant from Burgess animal feed mill at Thornton-Le-Dale, which closed in 1992.

But he also dedicated much of his life to helping other disabled people.

He spent ten years as chairman of the Pickering branch of the British Heart Foundation, and was leader of the York Gateway group, a social club for adults with disabilities. "That was the love of his life," said his mother.

"He lived a very normal life, but because he had this disability, he wanted to help other disabled people, and he put everything he had into doing that."

A former pupil of Ryedale School, he studied history and theology at the University of Ripon and York St John after returning from his round-the-world trip. While there he met his future wife, Susan.

Most recently, he worked for the Crown Prosecution Service in York.

Beverley Ross, who worked with him, said: "I think I would describe him as irrepressible. He had a great sense of life and, although he had a disability of his own, he did not let that affect him.

"Our proudest memory of him was when he was awarded a £7,000 training bursary for civil servants with disabilities. To get that he had to work extremely hard."

Ainsley also leaves a father, Kenneth, stepmother, Marlene, brother, Fraser, 38, and sister Jenette, 25.

A service of celebration for his life will be held tomorrow at the Elim Church, Swinegate, York, followed by a funeral service at All Saints' Church, Kirkbymoorside.

Updated: 11:21 Monday, July 01, 2002