But it never mattered to Mary.

"It was usually worth it because he could give wonderful hugs," she said.

"I will always remember his smile and his beautiful blue eyes."

On Monday night, as she sat surrounded by gifts given to her by her generous son, Mary said she believed a blood clot may have killed him.

Hours earlier Coroner Nicholas Rheinburg decided there was not enough evidence to determine the cause of death.

But Doctor Sally-Ann Hales, who carried out a postmortem the Macclesfield Hospital said a clot was a possible cause.

Two weeks before the 38-year-old was found dead in his flat in Middle Walk, Knutsford, he had undergone a cartilage operation to his knee.

"He just wanted to run and was only interested in getting his leg better," said Mary.

"But it turns out it could have been that which killed him."

During the eight years he lived in Knutsford the Scot took part in numerous charity runs and was often spotted jogging around town.

Speaking exclusively to the Knutsford Guardian on Monday his mum described him as someone who was always willing to give a helping hand.

"He just seemed to see a need and fill it as best he could," she said.

"But you don't appreciate people like him until they are gone."

Mary, who lives in Mobberley, was on holiday in Italy when she heard of her son's death and did not look at a photograph of him again until Monday.

"When I heard I just froze with shock and felt sort of paralysed for days," she said.

"There are still times when I find myself sat in the front room and I just can't believe that he is not here anymore.

"I don't think that feeling will ever go away."