A family has paid a heart-breaking tribute to “just a really nice lad” who has died after being found collapsed in Manchester city centre two days before Christmas. David Thomas Gidman, 44, known as “Giddy” was discovered unresponsive in Piccadilly Gardens on December 23.
He died at 4.40am on New Year’s Day after spending several days in an intensive care unit in hospital. In a tribute on Friday, David’s family said: “David had a strong presence whenever he walked into any room, he had a great sense of humour and was a funny lad.
“He was always joking and never took himself too seriously, just a really nice lad.
Tributes left in Piccadilly Gardens after the death of David Gidman
“David was into watching movies and loved being outdoors, walking about. He was always mooching somewhere and never rested.
“His mum Pam and sister Lyndsey tried their best and were always ready to welcome him home. His family love and miss him dearly but know that he is now at peace and back with his dad.”
His family have now asked for privacy as they grieve his loss.
A shrine of tributes have been left to David at the location where he was found – a doorway next to cash machines facing a bus stop at Piccadilly Gardens.
A heartbreaking tribute left to David Gidman.
A teddy bear and bouquets of flowers have been laid at the spot as well as cards and candles on a ledge. One messages on a card says “To my daddy, gunna miss you always but I will make you proud”.
“Love and miss you millions,” reads one tribute on a card at the scene. Tributes to a ‘true gentlemen’ are also being paid to Mr Gidman online.
The pavement outside the old bank where Mr Gidman was found has been used by rough sleepers recently. Piles of their belongings could be seen within the police cordon set up on the night of December 23.