'A true inspiration': Long-serving Derbyshire paramedic dies after contracting coronavirus
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Alan Ecob, who lived in Pinxton his entire life, sadly passed away aged 66 on Thursday.
Mr Ecob served as a paramedic in Ripley then Alfreton for 30 years between 1984 and 2014, when he took early retirement after suffering with osteomyelitis – a femur infection – following a motorbike accident in his 20s.
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Hide AdHe was an inpatient at Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital where specialists were trying to treat his osteomyelitis – but unfortunately he contracted Covid-19 and sadly died after a long and arduous 21-day battle in intensive care.
Mr Ecob’s daughter, Laura Daukintis, said both family and the wider community have been left ‘devastated’ by his passing.
She said: “During his time as a paramedic he helped many members of the community, saved countless lives, delivered babies, supported dignified ends and received a commendation for his efforts.
“A much-loved member of the community, he was a true inspiration to everyone.
“Outside of work he was a very sociable person.
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Hide Ad“He had many friends and acquaintances and had time for everybody.
“He always stopped to talk to anybody who wanted to and couldn’t go anywhere without seeing someone he knew.”
Laura added: “He was a much-loved husband to Marie, father to me and grandfather to Lewis, whom he adored and lived for.
“He will be greatly missed and we are devastated that we can't have the funeral and big celebration of his life that he would’ve wanted.”
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Hide AdLaura said her father wanted the coronavirus vaccine but ‘unfortunately he didn't get chance as he was hospitalised’.
She added: “The family would like to take the opportunity to remind those who can to take up their Covid-19 vaccination as the effects can be devastating.
“My dad would have wanted this message to be part of his legacy as he dedicated his life to the health of the community.”
According to Government figures on Tuesday, the total number of fatalities registered across Derbyshire where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate was 2,914.