A MOTHER has told of the 'mountain of pain' her family has been left with after her apparently fit and healthy 23-year-old son collapsed and died as he set out to meet friends to watch a cricket match.

Jack Stephens, of Barnards Green, Malvern, collapsed after parking his car in the town's retail park. After a brief period of consciousness he 'faded away', despite the best efforts of passers-by who went to his aid and paramedics and hospital staff.

Mum Kate Burston said the family are awaiting the results of a post mortem examination to determine the cause.

Her son, originally from Droitwich, had been very fit.

He had played at both Droitwich Cricket and Golf Clubs and enjoyed running and had been walking on the Malvern Hills last weekend.

Tributes have been pouring in from friends on social media, while his death has shaken the business community where he was well known as a Policy and PR Executive with Hereford and Worcester Chamber of Commerce.

Jack went to the town's High School before attending Worcester Sixth Form College, was a political science graduate of Birmingham University and was on his way to meet uni and college friends when he collapsed on Tuesday morning.

They had planned to spend the day watching the one-day cricket international between England and New Zealand at Edgbaston and he had popped into Malvern retail park on his way when he collapsed.

Two people who saw him fall as he got out of his car went to his aid and called for an ambulance.

Kate said the family wanted to thank everyone who tried to help her son at the scene and also Jack's 'closest friends for the beautiful tributes which have been recorded forever in time on social media'.

"These have been of great support and will also in time be a comforting reminder for Leo, nine, of his wonderful brother who was his support, guide and inspiration for life."

Jack's boss, Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Mike Ashton, described him as 'an outstanding young man' who he would personally miss very much.

"I could give you scores of quotes from senior people in the business community who have praised his professionalism and the quality of his work. This is a terrible shame."

In recent days he had helped organise the visit of former World Champion hurdler Colin Jackson to Worcester; the visit of Business Secretary Sajid Javid to the Chamber's annual awards last night; and was preparing reports for a meeting with the Bank of England next week.

People attending the Chamber business awards ceremony in Kidderminster last night joined in tributes to

'a bright, well-liked, outstanding man who the whole business community will miss.'

Jack funded himself through university and now his family are planning to create a legacy which would help finance people studying for degrees.

Kate's family tribute to her son:

"Jack will be remembered as a soul wise beyond his years, a trusted and loyal friend, cousin, grandson, brother and son.

"Inspiring to all, unique, talented, caring and intelligent with the world at his feet, dedicated to all his opportunities in life, to challenge and make a difference, a guiding support and friend to all who were lucky enough to spend time with him.

"Selfless in his nature, always there for friends and family and colleagues, providing a listening ear or a witty, intellectual conversation.

"His work within Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce was paving a way forward for him to establish a position within society where he could influence and shape positive change.

"Through his role Jack could be relied on to speak out, where others could not, and constructively challenge systems, policies and beliefs that were not in line with his passion for equality.

"Friends and family rallied around him at Worcester Royal Hospital. So many people were wanting to be close to him when he needed them, their actions being a reflection of the wonderful person Jack was to all he knew and the important role he played in their lives.

"Jack overcame many barriers that society had placed in his path in order to pursue his quest for knowledge and learning.

"The loss of Jack leaves a vast mountain of pain, however his family and friends are determined to carry forward Jack's spirit and values by aiming to raise money as part of his legacy to contribute to supporting young people where finance is a barrier to studying at degree level.

"Jack had a strong and passionate belief that life should be fair and an individual's potential should not be limited by social or financial factors.

"It is planned there will be a celebration ceremony of Jack's life in which anyone wishing to share or hear memories of him is welcomed and urged to attended. The date for this ceremony will be provided in the coming weeks."