Family collect award in honour of ambulance worker

The daughter of an ambulance worker who died on duty has described picking up an award in his memory as a "very bitter sweet moment".

Jeremy Daw, who spent a 30-year paramedic career working across Leominster and Hereford came out of retirement to help during the Covid pandemic. He died on 24 April 2021 after an object hit the ambulance he was in.

On Monday, his family, including his daughter Kate Daw, picked up the Elizabeth Emblem from the Hereford Ambulance Hub.

"It was a very bitter sweet moment but it was an honour and a privilege to receive the award in memory of dad. It meant a lot to us as a family," Ms Daw said.

Mr Daw was 66 at the time of his death, which West Midlands Ambulance Service said had been caused by an "object of some description" which had pierced the windscreen in "a tragic accident".

Speaking at the time, emergency operations delivery director Nathan Hudson described Mr Daw as "a remarkable character".

"He was one of life's good guys and he will be sorely missed," he said.

On picking up his award, his daughter said: "It was really nice to have that recognition for all the work he has done because he retired in November 2020, had December off but went back in January part-time.

"So he came out of retirement during Covid because they were so short staffed. So to have that recognition, it meant an awful lot to all of us."

Nicholas Montandon, of West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "Jack spent his career helping save others, having come out of retirement during the pandemic to continue his service.

"While this award recognises the ultimate sacrifice Jack made, in order to care for others, it's also a symbol of a life of dedication and service.

"It was an honour to share this day alongside his family, who are always in our thoughts."

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