A heartbroken mum has paid tribute to her "lovely" who unexpectedly died in his sleep just after finishing his A-Levels.
John Nesbitt, 18, was looking forward to studying mechanical engineering at The University of Birmingham when he died suddenly in his sleep from a rare heart condition that didn't show any signs or symptoms.
John's heart stopped beating as a result of an arrhythmia caused by myocarditis - a condition where the body's immune system causes inflammation in response to an infection.
The condition is extremely rare and can be triggered from something just like a common cold.
His mum Sheila, from Warrington, told the ECHO John was a "lovely, happy young lad" who "saw the best in everyone".
She said: "You just have to think of the goodness.
"I just feel very happy that I had such a lovely, happy young lad. I just feel so happy his life was a happy life. He was always so patient and conscientious."
Before his death John had been working in a summer club helping international students improve their English.
The popular teen had also recently returned from a holiday with his friends to Ibiza and was a huge cricket fan and supporter of Liverpool FC.
Sheila added that "part of her feels gone" after her son's death but a number of charitable fundraisers have already been set up in his memory.
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital is carrying out research into sudden arrhythmic death syndrome with donations going towards monitors that identify a tendency for arrhythmia in patients.
The hospital's cardiac team has already helped the family understand John's death.
Sheila added: "This research is paramount in helping to prevent tragic young deaths for other families."
Harriet Hill, one of John's best friends from school, signed up to take part in the Manchester Half Marathon in memory of John and to raise money for the hospital.
Harriet said: "John was really one of the best people you'd ever meet. I don't think anyone would be able to fault the boy.
"Everyone just really liked him - he was really popular, hard-working, he volunteered for charities. He was just an amazing person.
"John lived in the moment and enjoyed every day, he saw the best in everyone. He had a contagious smile and the ability to brighten everyone’s life."
