Perry Nelson Jr was was just about to marry his fiancee and start a family.

The 24-year-old, known as Juju to his friends and family, had spoken to his mother just days before he was killed about his wish to settle down and start a family of his own.

The only son, whom his mother Donna said would often sneak up behind her and surprise her with a cuddle, volunteered for a charity and had studied at the elite Old Swinford, one of the country’s leading boarding schools.

Mr Nelson was even chosen to star in a promotional video with former England cricket captain, Darren Gough.

Mrs Nelson said: “Junior was a natural motivator, the kind of person who would make people believe in themselves, offering good advice and compliments with sincerity and ease.

“His philosophy for life can be summed up by the words he stencilled in the kitchen, Eat Well, Laugh Often and Love Much.

“He was a loving, caring and kind person who would often go out of his way to help others, even complete strangers.

“He would ask us to stop the car to help an elderly person with their shopping.

“Junior was my loving and beautiful son, my prince, my friend, my protector, my world, my everything and I thank God for Junior’s life.

“He was a very special child and he brought me immense joy.”