Tributes have been paid to a ‘hero’ paramedic who died last week.

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

The father of three, who grew up in Romford, had worked for the London Ambulance Service for ten years.

Last August he was featured in the Recorder after being part of an ambulance crew hailed as ‘heroes’ by a mother whose life they saved after she had a heart attack.

This week Pezo Benjamin, from Ilford, said: “I was deeply, deeply touched by John’s thoughtfulness at the time of my ordeal.

“John had the presence of mind to ensure that (my baby) Yanis was catered for whilst I was in a critical condition.

“He acquired a tray of formula milk and took it back to my house.

“A true hero, who went over and above the call of duty to give of himself so freely.

“We will never forget him.”

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, who later lived in Halbutt Street, Dagenham, also played the drums and was in the Romford Royal British Legion Band for 10 years between the ages of 15 and 25.

He joined the Ambulance Service in 2002 and carried out his emergency medical technician training at Ilford ambulance station.

He first worked at the Whipps Cross complex (for Whipps Cross, Buckhurst Hill and Ilford ambulance stations) 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.

“Rarely would he be miserable, even after his diagnosis. He was kind and thoughtful and would always take time out for a chat.

“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.”

He will be having an ambulance service funeral on Wedneday July 25, starting at 2pm at St Andrews Church in Hornchurch, moving on to the ambulance station at Queen’s Hospital in Romford about 3.15pm, and then at Romford Cemetery at 3.30pm.

All who knew him are welcome.