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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Abigail Nicholson

Mathew Street doorman who died suddenly was the 'most gentle of giants'

A Mathew Street doorman who died suddenly was described as the "most gentle of giants".

Gary Marsh, 41, was at his home in Anfield when he suffered from a suspected heart attack on April 27, hours before he was due to go to work. His family acted quickly and gave him CPR but Gary tragically died after paramedics arrived.

Gary, who worked as a doorman at The Grapes on Mathew Street, was described as "a true gentleman" by his best friend Don Kininmonth. He leaves behind his partner Emma Manning, 30, and his children Jack, 13, Megan, ten, and Grace, four.

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On the day Gary died, Don, 43, said: "He was at home, he was a smoker, he went outside for a smoke. He'd come back into the house and basically started coughing and couldn't catch his breath."

Don said Gary's sister-in-law gave him CPR while his partner rang an ambulance which arrived within minutes. He added: "As I said they worked on him for over 90 minutes to try and bring him back but unfortunately he'd already gone."

The family are waiting for the results of a post mortem to determined how Gary died but it is believed he had suffered from a heart attack. Don has now set up a Gofundme page in Gary's memory, to support his family who "he adored so much".

Don said he is overwhelmed with the response they have received to the fundraising page so far which has raised over £2,300. A series of floral tributes, candles, balloons and photographs have been left on Mathew Street where Gary worked.

Paying tribute, Don said: "Everyone loved Gary because he was the first one to make you laugh, he was always one for a bit of fun. He was the type of person who would give you the last penny out of his pocket.

Gary with his partner Emma Manning, 30, and children Jack, 13, Megan, ten, and Grace, four. (Family handout)

"He lived and breathed for his family. I really wanted to try and do what I can for my friend because I know my friend would have done the same if the shoe was on the other foot."

In a message on the fundraising page, Don said: "Gary was one in a million, a true gentleman with a heart of gold! Let's give this man the send off he deserves and hopefully something to his beautiful family who he adored so much. Goodnight big man love you brother."

ECHO readers and friends took to social media to pay tribute to Gary, with one person calling him a 'legend'.

David Heyes said: "The most gentle of giants, had time for anyone genuinely a really nice person always and will be missed by so many."

William Smith said: "Gary my bro, a legend indeed. Miss ya lad R.I.E.P"

Danny Hall said: "R.I.P Gary mate you will be sadly missed god only takes the best of us sleep tight mate."

Ruth Strong said: "Rest in peace god bless you my thoughts are with your family xx"

If you would like to donate to the Gofundme page click here.

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