The mother of Jamal Edwards, the former Richmond College student and famed music entrepreneur, has issued a warning about recreational drug use following his death.

Brenda Edwards, who appears on Loose Women, has revealed that Jamal, who was just 31, collapsed and died holding her hand at home.

He was instrumental in helping the launch the careers of music stars from Jessie J and Rita Ora to Ed Sheeran and Dave, while a student at the college in Twickenham.

He became an ambassador for the Prince's Trust, a charity headed up by Charles, and in 2014 was awarded an MBE for his services to music.

Brenda Edwards issued a statement via social media, saying: "We have been so incredibly touched by the outpouring of love and support, and you are all helping us try and get through the unimaginable.

"Since I last spoke, I have sadly learned that the cause of Jamal's devastating passing was due to cardiac arrhythmia caused by having taken recreational drugs and I wanted to address this myself to everyone who loved, admired and respected my son.

"Since finding out the news I've been in a state of shock, and I'm still trying to process it, but it's so important to me that I do address it as no mother or any loved one should have to go through what Jamal's sister, Tanisha, and I have been through since he passed."

She described her son as having had the 'world at his fingertips – a zest for life and he was unwittingly taken away far too soon'.

She added: "Yet we have to come to terms with what has happened, and Jamal is proof that this can happen to anyone."

"These types of substances are extremely unpredictable, and we can only hope that this will encourage others to think wisely when faced with similar situations in the future. His passing has shown that any one bad decision on any one occasion can lead to devastating consequences.

"It's so important that we help drive more conversation about the unpredictability of recreational drugs and the impact that they can have – how it takes just one bad reaction to destroy lives.

"I would do anything to have my son back but that is just not possible so if I can help save one life, then we will have achieved something."

At an inquest at West London Coroner's Court,, Assistant Coroner Catherine Wood said: "He came home late one evening, after which he became increasingly agitated and suffered a cardiac arrest. He was deteriorating despite treatment and died on February 20 of this year. A post-mortem has been undertaken and I have reason to suspect that the death was an unnatural death."

The inquest was adjourned to be resumed in eight weeks' time.