Outpouring of tributes to devoted dad and paramedic Ben Lightburn

Devoted father Benjamin Lightburn died in the two-car collision on Mossborough Road in Rainford.

The 31-year-old, who lived in Rainford, was on his way to work.

In a tribute, Ben's family said: "No words can describe how devastated we are at the sudden loss of our wonderful Ben.

"He was a devoted and loving husband, father and son and he will be missed more than anyone can imagine."

The tragedy has rocked paramedics across the region, with many posting tributes and raising funds for his young family.

Ben Lightburn with his family (Image: Family)

More than £25,000 has been pledged so far.

Colleagues say "he saved so many lives and helped so many people in the worst moments of their lives".

The collision in Rainford happened at about 10am on January 1 between a Renault Scenic and Nissan Almera, which Ben was driving.

The driver and passenger of the Renault, a man and a woman, suffered serious injuries. They are continuing to recover.

Flowers left at the scene of tragedy (Image: St Helens Star)

Colleague Marc Dobson, who set up the fundraising page for Ben, wrote: “Ben was a hugely popular, highly respected and wonderfully committed paramedic who adored his family but was tragically killed on New Year’s Day on his way to work.

“He has saved so many lives and helped so many people in the worst moments of their lives.

“He sadly leaves behind a wife and two children who depended on him as their unwavering rock in life.

“Please donate to help his family through this terrible time.”

Donations have poured in, some as high as £600 a time, to help his grieving family.

There have been many moving tributes.

Kevin Brown said: “I donated because we are all human, my thoughts go out to Ben's wife and children and family at this time, I never met Ben but like any of the paramedics and ambulance service people who work as one he was one of us”

Zara Magee, who donated £500, said: “This is a posthumous donation from Jean Taylor, whose funeral Ben attended recently.

“She knew Ben really well since he was a small boy and would want to help his family in any way she could.

“Ben was such a lovely young man and would do anything he could for anyone. RIP Ben. Xxx”

Chelsea Phillips said: “Absolutely heartbroken, Ben was one of the kindest, most genuine and caring men I've known, and ridiculously smart.

“I will be forever grateful that you chose me as a friend and I will never forget the patience and kindness you always shown me. My heart goes out to your beautiful family.”

Ben family's added: "We want to thank everyone for their support and kind words, especially family, friends and Ben's NWAS friends and colleagues, who have been so amazing.

"He was just perfect and has left a hole in our lives that will never be filled."

The fundraising page currently sits at more £25,000.

To donate go to, gofundme.com/f/ben-lightburn

Police continue appeal for witnesses

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper from the Merseyside Police Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "Our thoughts are with the family of Mr Lightburn as we continue to support them through specially trained Family Liaison Officers whilst we continue to investigate the circumstances of this collision.

 "The male driver and female passenger in the other vehicle involved in this collision sustained serious injuries but are recovering well.

"The driver is being treated as a witness and has assisted the investigation throughout.

“I would appeal to anyone who has dash camera CCTV fitted in their vehicle that may been travelling on Mossborough Road or Blindfoot Road at between 9.50am and 10am on New Year’s Day to make contact with the investigation team as you may have inadvertently captured the lead up to this incident.

"Our officers can recover CCTV in person or remotely to check if it has captured any footage that may assist the investigation of this collision.”

If you can assist police contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 777 5747 or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk quoting reference 23000005048.