SHOCKED family and friends of a Longbarn man are struggling to come to terms with his sudden death.

Ken Finnie, aged just 31, died last week at his home on Burnet Close after falling into a diabetic coma.

Tragically, he had no idea that he was suffering from diabetes. He had been sent home from his work at YMCA Training in Warrington after complaining of headaches on the day that he died.

His parents, John and Margaret, returned home from holiday on Thursday to find that their only son had died.

John said: "We didn't know he had diabetes - he didn't know himself. It seems that if a coma comes on, it can be quite quick. His friends had been speaking to him that night.

"There was no warning whatsoever. He didn't feel well so he went home from work. He was due to see the doctor on Monday."

Ken was a well known face around the town, through his job as training co-ordinator and his two great loves, basketball and motorsport.

He was also a governor at his former school, Padgate High, and a police lay visitor. Earlier this year he appeared on the TV show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", but narrowly missed out on a chance to go for the big prize.

Ken was secretary of the Manchester Basketball League, and this year he became assistant clerk of the course at famous Cheshire raceway Oulton Park.

Ken's mum Margaret added: "He was a likeable lad. He put his heart and soul into whatever interest he took up. He had loved basketball since his Padgate High days."

After attending Padgate High, Ken went to Essex Polytechnic to study for a Higher National Diploma in business and finance, and when he returned to Warrington continued his studies while working.

John said: "He enjoyed his work, helping people to find employment and bringing kids up to the level of education needed by industry. He would then go and visit them while on placement to see how they were being treated."

Head teacher at Padgate High School Mary Chuck said that Ken would be greatly missed. She added: "He is well remembered as a pupil for his humour and his lively involvement in a wide range of activities.

"As a governor, he made a huge contribution to the school. He supported different aspects of the running of the school from finance to appointments, from maths to special needs. He was always willing to share his expertise, especially on health and safety regulations.

"He described his commitment to the school as being a way to return some of the opportunities that the school and staff had given to him."

Ken's funeral takes place today, Friday, at 10am in St Elphin's Parish Church, Warrington.

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