Emotional tributes have been paid to a much-loved Edinburgh man who died from a suspected heart attack at the age of just 32.
Thomas Stickland passed away at home in his bed earlier this month, leaving his partner along with family and friends devastated.
Thomas' sister Stephanie told Edinburgh Live his passing has left her family in shock. She says her brother had been feeling unwell and complaining of chest pains the evening before he died, but was healthy and had no underlying health conditions the family were aware of.
The 28-year-old says everyone been left reeling at the news, which comes less than a year after their mother Hazel died following a short illness.
She said: "We are just trying to get through the shock at the moment. We are a strong family though.
"This just happened so suddenly, so it has really knocked us all.
"I know you would expect me to say this because I was his sister, but he really was a true gentleman. Everyone he would speak to said that. He was such a nice person.
"He could make you feel great even if you were having a bad day.
"He had the gift of the gab, and could walk into any room and make friends."
Thomas, who grew up in Gorgie, lived with his partner and her young son.
He had been working on the construction of Edinburgh's new St James' Centre, but planned to start his own business one day. Outside of work he was described as a "tattoo enthusiast" who loved the guitar.
Stephanie added: "He was popular at his work, and I think the people he worked with took it quite hard when they found out.
"He seemed to enjoy the work but I know he had plans to start his own business in the future. He also told a friend that he'd just started writing short funny stories."
Stephanie, who has five other siblings – three brothers and two sisters – says the family have been overwhelmed by the support they've received on a funding page set up by friends to help with funeral costs.
She said: "We want to thank anyone who has donated, and those who have left nice messages.
"We've been amazed at how much money was raised in just a few hours. Anything we have left over after the funeral will go towards a charity in Thomas' name."
A Go Fund Me page in Thomas' name has, at the time of writing raised almost £1,000, with 27 different donors contributing.
You can visit the Go Fund Me page here.
