AN Accrington lawyer described by his mum as an ‘action man’ died just metres away from the finish line of a triathlon in Hong Kong.

Daniel Bagshaw, known as ‘Baggy’, collapsed on the final stretch of the International Triathlon Union Asian Cup in Lantau.

His devastated mum, Shelagh Bagshaw, said a foundation for bright students would now be set up in his memory.

Daniel, 27, had previously completed a number of triathlons, marathons, half marathons, an amateur section of the Tour de France and had climbed Mount Everest.

He studied politics, philosophy and economics at Oxford University before securing a post with international law firm Linklaters and completed his training at the firm’s Hong Kong office before qualifying and taking up the position of an associate corporate lawyer.

His girlfriend Julia was waiting for Daniel at the finish line after completing the women’s race.

The ex-Clitheroe Grammar School pupil collapsed after completing the swimming and cycling sections and was within sight of the end. An inquest was opened an adjourned in Blackburn by coroner Michael Singleton after the post mortem carried out in Hong Kong had proven inconclusive.

Mrs Bagshaw, of Riverlea Gardens in Clitheroe, said: “He was such a kind, caring, generous man. We have received dozens of cards off people saying Daniel will always have a place in their heart as he always had time for others. I don’t think we will ever get over this.”

She and husband Peter and their elder sons Ian and Gary hope the foundation will help other bright students achieve their potential, like Daniel.

He had expressed his wishes to set up a foundation when he was financially stable and the family hope to fulfil that hope. The triathlon was on October 14, five days after his 27th birthday.