The devastated mother of a 23-year-old man who died in Stoke-on-Trent's main hospital has paid tribute to her 'fun' son.

Thomas Nicholls, of Hereford Avenue, Clayton, was pronounced dead at the Royal Stoke University Hospital on Monday 6 March.

An inquest has this week ruled that Thomas' death was accidental. The cause of death was recorded as a brain injury following a drug overdose.

Now mum Victoria Clewlow says her son could not get the help he needed to deal with his mental health demons. He was a keen footballer and played on his X-box.

Thomas Nicholls, 23, was pronounced deat at the Royal Stoke University Hospital in March this year (SWNS).

Following the inquest, Victoria said: "He was always polite, witty and fun. He respected people. He just couldn't get the help he needed when it came to his mental health. He was lovely. He was very family-minded, everybody loved him."

The inquest heard Thomas has self-harmed during the Covid lockdowns and had told doctors of suicidal thoughts.

Thomas had been staying with a friend when his breathing pattern changed and the alarm was raised. His friend performed CPR before paramedics took over. Loved-ones were told in hospital that he would not recover and he later passed away.

North Staffordshire assistant coroner Duncan Ritchie ruled out any suggestion of suicide.

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