Mikey Cunliffe, 20, fell asleep and never woke up after downing the spirit and watching YouTube videos with pals. His friends tried desperately to save the student but he was pronounced dead at home in October last year.

       An inquest since heard Mikey died through alcohol poisoning.

       And now, speaking publically for the first time since her loss, Mikey's mum heartbroken mum Chrisie Yates has expressed her grief.

       She told Manchester Evening News: "You don't think it's going to happen to you until it does.

       "On this one occasion a bottle of vodka killed him.

       "He was loving life. He had a good night with his friends. He didn't wake up, but he was in no pain," she said.

       "He had a good head on his shoulders. He was very bright and he had the world at his feet. He was really generous and kind."

       Mikey was in his second year at Manchester Met University, studying mechanical engineering, when tragedy struck.

       He loved playing his guitar, could speak Spanish and Italian, and enjoyed salsa dancing and mixed martial arts.

       Chrisie, from Wigan, Greater Manchester, added: "He did more in his 20 years of live than most people do in 70.

       "He was my blue eyed boy."

       Mikey's stepmum, Amanda Cunniffe, took part in a cycle ride from Manchester to Blackpool in Mikey's memory. Her best friend Kerry Cain joined her on the 63-mile journey, having both got into cycling during lockdown.

       Amanda said: "It's something you would never really expect from Mikey.

       "When the coroner report came through it was alcohol poisoning it was a massive shock."

       All the money raised, which currently stands at ￡1,000, will go towards a charity called The Compassionate Friends.

       It helps to support bereaved family members who have suffered the death of a child or children of any age from any cause.

       The family also want to help raise awareness of the risks of alcohol.

       To donate, please visit her fundraising page.