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A well-known homeless man who sold copies of the Big Issue in Cardiff has died suddenly at the age of 29.

Glasgow-born Mark Stewart, who was often seen on St Mary Street selling magazines with his dog Gus, died in hospital on November 10 after police were called to McDonald’s on Queen Street.

A South Wales Police spokesman said: “South Wales Police can confirm the sudden death of a 29-year-old man in Cardiff city centre on November 10, 2016.

“Police were called to McDonald’s restaurant in Queen Street at approximately 3.30pm after concerns were raised for the welfare of a man inside the premises.

“Police and paramedics arrived at the scene and the man was conveyed to the University Hospital of Wales where he was pronounced deceased.

“It is not being treated as suspicious.”

'He was devastated by the loss of his dog'

Regional sales manager for The Big Issue Beth Thomas said Mark had recently fallen on hard times.

She said: “We lost him to begging around a year ago.

“He was also left devastated by the recent loss of his dog Gus. I’m not sure if he was stolen from him or he lost him somehow.”

She said The Big Issue faces a constant battle to keep their sellers away from begging.

“Unfortunately, begging on the streets of Cardiff is more lucrative than selling Big Issues.

“But when our sellers go back to begging, they lose out on a whole range of services we have to help protect them.

“Many of them end up going back to alcoholism and taking drugs.”

'Difficult to cope'

Humans of Cardiff founder Dan Donnelly said he first met Mark on the streets two years ago.

He said: “I interviewed him for the Humans of Cardiff project. He told me that he had originally been born in Glasgow but had lived most of his life in Wales."

His family said Mark ended up on the streets after finding it difficult to cope with the death of his great-grandmother.

Dan added: “Despite any of the issues he faced on the streets, or any personal problems he may have been having, Mark always had a warmth about him, and he had a kindness for others and when he spoke, his words were sincere. I heard once how he had intervened when a passer by was having some hassle from some youths in the area.”

'May you rest in peace'

Hundreds reacted to a post announcing Mark’s death on the Humans of Cardiff Facebook page.

Tal Shopland wrote: “Oh my gosh, this man saved my life from a drunken man last year.

“RIP you amazing man.”

Stephanie Patricia Swift said: “RIP Mark, sorry I never knew your name but I used to buy breakfast for you and your dog before I headed to work. Now you may rest in peace out of pain and suffering.”

Joseph Harvey posted: “What a nice man. Always polite. And we would always have a beautiful conversation.”

An inquest into Mark’s death will be held on February 14, 2017.