An "extremely popular" paramedic who died in a crash on New Year's Day will be "forever in the hearts" of his ambulance colleagues.
Dad-of-two Ben Lightburn, 31, was killed in a two-car crash on Mossborough Road, Rainford, on New Year's Day. Emergency services rushed to the scene of the crash at around 10am, but the off-duty paramedic died, while the driver and passenger in the other car suffered serious injuries.
Ben, from Rainford, was called an "extremely popular member of staff" at North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) - and his "loss has been felt acutely by all his colleagues". In tribute to the paramedic, NWAS has unveiled an ambulance that now carries the words "Ben Lightburn - forever in our hearts".
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The touching tribute was unveiled earlier this week, with Ben's wife Gill, children Rosie and Daniel and mum Sue in attendance. The ambulance went out on its first operational shift soon after and was crewed by Ben's good friends Colin Barwise and Dave Gahan.
Matt Calderbank, section manager for NWAS Cheshire and Merseyside North, 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."
Ben's family previously called him a "devoted and loving husband, father and son". In a tribute issued by Merseyside Police they 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. 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."
Following the crash Ben's family were supported by specially trained family liaison officers while investigations into the crash continued. An appeal for information is still underway and anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact the police.
If you can assist with the above, please contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 777 5747 or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk quoting reference 23000005048.
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