Tributes have poured in for a 'one in a million' man who dedicated his life to helping others, following his tragic death from cancer.
Oscar Brogden was somewhat of a local celebrity in Manchester and was known for his many acts of kindness - which included a huge Christmas toy appeal for less fortunate kids.
Alongside his work as a security guard at Manchester city council's street cleaning depot in Gorton, he also reunited over 900 people with lost purses or wallets, and repaired damaged bicycles left for scrap and donated them to the community for free.
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He made a name for himself after appearing on the hit Channel 4 show, the Secret Millionaire, and touched the lives of everyone he met.
Oscar was diagnosed with cancer around three years ago, and underwent successful treatment. But close friend, Helen Coverdale, said he contacted her in January to let her know it had returned and he wouldn't be having treatment.
He passed away peacefully at a nursing home in Newton Heath on April 11 at the age of 71.
Helen, who was first introduced to Oscar after watching him on the show, The Secret Millionaire, described her friend as a 'lovely man' who dedicated his life to helping people.
"I kept in touch with him when I could and over the years we'd lose touch but it wouldn't matter, we'd always help each other," she said, speaking to the M.E.N.
"He was diagnosed with cancer about two or three years ago and had treatment which worked. But he contacted me in January saying the cancer had returned and he wasn't going to have treatment, and wanted to die without pain.
"Oscar was absolutely crackers and had the biggest personality. He had such a zest for life. He always told me that giving never cost anything and I've always remembered it."
Oscar won a series of awards for his service to the local community, and was best known for starting a Christmas gift scheme in 1997, which saw thousands of toys donated to disadvantaged kids.
Tributes have also poured in on social media for Oscar, who has been described as a 'wonderful man' with a 'huge heart.' Hundreds of people have commented on a Facebook group dedicated to his acts of kindness over the years.
One person wrote: "I met this wonderful man some years ago - great person, huge heart. He was one of the good guys. RIP Oscar and condolences to all his loved ones and friends."
Another said: "Really sorry to be reading this news, Oscar was one in a million, had many a laugh with him over the years, and the selfless work he did was really special, the world is a sadder place today. RIP Oscar."
Another wrote: "There are not enough words to describe this man, just an out and out gentleman. Will be greatly missed. RIP."
One person said: "What an amazing generous man he was. Such a sad loss for Manchester." Another wrote: "Aaaawwwh a man with a huge kind heart."
Another wrote: "One of the nicest men I've met during too many years at MCC. I work in substance misuse and would take homeless citizens to see Oscar for much needed clothing etc. Treated everyone the same didn't judge people. Compassion and caring were his middle names.
Another said: "So sad we love Oscar he always came to see us on Smithfield Market he was the salt of the earth and we feel blessed to have known him."
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