Mum's heartbreak after 'lovely' and 'happy' lad, 18, dies suddenly in his sleep

A mum has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her teenage son who died suddenly in his sleep. John Nesbitt, 18, had just finished his A-levels when his heart stopped beating due to a rare condition.

The youngster was looking forward to taking up a place at university but he tragically died in sleep from the heart condition - which didn't show any signs of symptoms.

John's mum Sheila, from Warrington, said a 'part of her feels gone' since John's death in 2018, and described him as a 'lovely, happy young lad.' He had been planning to study mechanical engineering at Birmingham University, the ECHO reports.

READ MORE: Boy given horror 'suicide disease' diagnosis after he randomly woke up in horrific pain

But she added: "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."

His heart suddenly 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.

Since John's death a number of charity events have been held in his name raising money for The Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. The hospital is carrying out research into sudden arrhythmic death syndrome with donations going towards monitors that identify a tendency for arrhythmia in patients.

The cardiac team at the hospital really 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, will be