Tributes have been paid to a “dedicated” and “incredibly loved” North West paramedic following his sudden death.
Ben Lightburn sadly passed away on New Year’s Day following a road traffic collision.
The beloved husband and father-of-two previously served in the Royal Navy before he joined the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) back in 2014 as an emergency medical technician, and later qualifying as a paramedic in 2021 and going on to work across the Cheshire and Merseyside North sector.
Ben helped many communities in their time of need, and showed “immense care and compassion” to all his patients, the NWAS said.
So many of Ben’s friends and colleagues are now sharing their memories of working with him.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Ben was, and will forever remain, an incredibly loved member of our team,” said senior paramedics and technicians who worked closely with him.
“He was amazing with patients and so ridiculously smart. He mentored students and supported his colleagues with a passion that was admirable. He was a joker, he was cheeky, he laughed with us and at us, and was always at the heart of our team.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Ben has dedicated his life to the services, from serving in the Royal Navy – of which he always shared fond memories with us – and then joining us here at NWAS. He always aimed to excel at everything he did, both in work and in his personal life, and he was so well respected by his colleagues and adored by patients.
“His close-knit team, NWAS and beyond have lost a truly genuine, kind and ever caring soul.
“There are no words to describe how we feel to have lost Ben, so tragically and so suddenly, and we will cherish his memory forever, and our thoughts extend to his beautiful family at this unimaginable time.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Tributes have been paid to ‘incredibly loved’ North West paramedic who died suddenly / Credit: NWAS
Ben’s manager at the NWAS Cheshire and Merseyside North Sector said Ben was a dedicated paramedic who will have “undoubtedly changed patient and families lives for the better” and that his absence has already “an irreparable hole across the NWAS team he worked with”.
“Ben consistently placed others before himself, he was not just a paramedic, but a friend and a mentor to many of his colleagues.
“The sadness felt is shared by many and we extend our deepest condolences to Ben’s friends and family who have lost someone very special.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic loss.”
Featured Image – NWAS
News
Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
16th January 2023 
