A RAINFORD paramedic who died in a car crash on New Year's Day has been honoured by an ambulance inscribed with his name.
Dad-of-two Ben Lightburn, was only 31-year-old when he died on Mossborough Road in Rainford.
The North West Ambulance Service community was devastated at his loss, and in his honour have unveiled the A610 ambulance inscribed with - Ben Lightburn – Forever in our Hearts - in front of Ben’s colleagues and family including his wife Gill, children Rosie and Daniel and mum Sue.
The unveiling also coincided with the Merseyside ambulance museum's opening – run by NWAS paramedic Glyn Brown - which provided a good opportunity to display the old with the new.
Soon after, the ambulance went out for its first operational shift and was crewed by good friends of Ben: Colin Barwise and Dave Gahan.
Sector Manager for Cheshire and Merseyside North at NWAS, Matt Calderbank said: "It was a day of mixed feelings for everyone attending. I'm delighted that we have been able to pay tribute to Ben in this way.
“He was an extremely popular member of staff, and his loss has been felt acutely by all his colleagues.
“I was happy to be able to invite his family along to the event as well. Gill and Sue said they were both very proud to see the new ambulance, although it was equally sad for them.
"Looking at the ambulance line up alongside vehicles of the past made a real impact. It was also fitting that two close colleagues were the first to use it in responding to the public."
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