'The day he died was the day I died inside'

The heartbroken mum of a 'true hero' son who died six years after he was brutally attacked while intervening in a road rage incident has paid a moving tribute to him.

Cameron Brooksbank, 24, known by his loved ones as Cam, was tragically pronounced dead after being found unresponsive at an address in Middleton on June 18 of last year. An inquest on Wednesday (May 15) found that a mix of both prescription drugs and cocaine were in his system when he died - but a coroner concluded that Cameron did not intend to take his own life.

Mum Clair Grundy described Cameron as 'my best friend and my life', adding it is 'an honour' to be his mum and his death 'left a huge void in the family which will never be filled again'.

READ MORE: The 'immense bravery' of tragic man who helped bring down Manchester gang

“To my precious son Cameron who was my best friend and my life, being my only child," she wrote. "The day he died was the day I died inside. He was and is loved by so many people.

“He had the biggest heart of gold and was so loving and caring, a true hero. As a family we will never have the privilege of sharing any more special moments in his life cut so short.

“I am so exceptionally proud and it’s an honour to be his mum. Throughout these last few years since the axe attack it completely changed his life but the strength and bravery he showed was outstanding. I am so proud because he always put others before himself.

“He would always have me in tears of laughter with his fabulous sense of humour. When Cameron passed away it left a huge void in the family which will never be filled again. It has ripped our hearts apart which will never heal.

“So my special brave son we all miss you so much and our hearts are shattered. I will always keep your memory alive and what you went through.

“Until we meet again. Love you always and forever, mum xxx."

Cameron's tragic death came six years after he intervened in a road rage incident in Rochdale in 2017, attempting to restore peace. Instead, the attackers turned on him, striking him in the armpit and on the wrist with an axe. His hand was partially reattached, but then required a further five surgeries in the two years since the attack just to maintain 60 per cent use of his arm.

Rochdale Coroner's Court heard the attack 'completely changed his life' and meant he was no longer 'the same person'. The inquest was told Cameron began using cocaine to 'self medicate' but his family thought he had stopped using the drug prior to his death. It was also heard that Cameron had taken two overdoses prior to his death.

Giving evidence, mum Clair said Cameron had been prescribed new antidepressant to help with his depression.

Cameron's attacker Mohammed Awais Sajid, known as 'Skinny', of Kings Road, Rochdale was one of four men jailed for the axe attack in 2019. Sajid was jailed for 18 years after being found guilty of section 18 wounding.

Habibur Rahman , who summoned Sajid to the scene, was also handed a prison sentence of four-and-a-half years on an assault charge. Rahman's brother, Zillur Rahman, 29, was jailed for three years for conspiracy to commit violent disorder after he admitted making phone calls to summon the gang.

Arsan Ali, 23, who was among those he called and attended the scene, was jailed for four years after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit violent disorder.

Coroner Kearsley recorded Cameron’s cause of death as mixed drugs use (cocaine, oxycodone, pregabalin, diazepam, amitriptyline and mirtazapine) and Bronchopneumonia and concluded he died as a result of misadventure. She said there was 'no evidence; Cameron intended to end his life.'

Following his death, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told the M.E.N: "Cameron’s immense bravery captured the nation’s heart and helped to bring justice criminals who were a serious risk to the community.

"We will always remain grateful for his pivotal role in that case, and the support of his family during that time. Following Cameron’s inquest, our thoughts and condolences remain with his family and loved ones."