THE partner of a talented Watford musician, who died from undiagnosed diabetes, has received a five-figure compensation payout from his GP.

Adam Bell, 34, had symptoms of type one diabetes, including increased thirst, tiredness and weight loss. He was also hallucinating and vomiting repeatedly.

When visited by his GP, however, Dr Paul Davis did not perform a blood or urine test and diagnosed him with a viral infection.

Within 48 hours, Adam collapsed and died alone at his home in King Edward Road.

Dr Davis, who still practises at Manor View Surgery, in London Road, Bushey, paid an out-of-court settlement after his partner, Helen Rowe, launched a civil claim for negligence against him. But he did not admit liability.

Helen, 43, has donated the substantial sum to the Adam Bell Foundation, set up in memory of her partner of five years with the support of his parents, Anthea and Tony Bell.

Originally from Liverpool, Adam was an music teacher and worked at Hooters Music School in St Albans Road. He met Helen when she began piano lessons.

Helen, a market researcher, said: "Adam was a wonderful person. He was a creative free-spirit who was passionate about music. Adam was a very talented composer and would have gone on to write some very powerful music. His death is a huge loss."

Adam had symptoms of type one diabetes for several weeks before his death, on May 26, 2005, and Helen is adamant he would still be alive if he or his doctor had recognised signs of the disease. She is now putting all her energy into raising awareness of diabetes by visiting schools, and starting a music development project that will fund music lessons for children.

On August 11, Adam's friends and family will hold a procession through London, starting at the Royal Academy of Music and visiting sites of musical interest.

For more information, visit the website www.adambellfoundation.org.uk.