John Reed

Tributes have been paid to a “heroic” paramedic who died last week.

John Reed, 39, passed away on Friday after suffering from cancer for several months.

The father of three, who worked for the London Ambulance Service for 10 years, was hailed as a hero after he was attacked while on duty and responding to a report of a man lying in the street in Dagenham in 2008.

His father, John Reed snr, said: “His life was really his family and the ambulance service.

“He was always a very helpful sort of person, a social person, and someone who would look after others.

“He was a larger than life character, who had a big heart and a wicked sense of humour.”

John jnr, of Halbutt Street, Dagenham, also played the drums and had performed with the Royal British Legion Band.

He joined the Ambulance Service in 2002 and first worked at the Whipps Cross complex before being posted to Romford ambulance station in 2006.

Romford team leader, Rachel Bolton, said: “There’s one thing we’ll all remember and that is John’s infectious laugh. “He was so courageous throughout his treatment, never feeling sorry for himself. I just hope he knew that we were all with him every step of the way.”

A Facebook group set up in his memory has more than 160 members and dozens of tributes.

John snr said: “The number of tributes to him is unbelievable.”

His ambulance service funeral is on Wednesday, July 25, starting at 2pm at St Andrews Church in Hornchurch.

It will then move on to the ambulance station at Queen’s Hospital at about 3.15pm, before going to Romford Cemetery at 3.30pm.

All who knew him are welcome to go along and pay their respects.