TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular paramedic from Whitchurch who has died aged 29.

Jonty Oliver, died suddenly on holiday last month after suffering from a short illness.

A paramedic for the West Midlands Ambulance Service, Jonty’s funeral at St Alkmund’s Church in Whitchurch was attended by many of his colleagues and other members of the ambulance service as well.

Friends and family, along with colleagues, have praised Jonty’s humour as well has his dedication to the ambulance service and his willingness to help others.

Jonty’s parents Peter and Sally said Jonty would be sorely missed.

“He was our one and only son. No words can describe the grief we are both feeling,” said Peter.

“Jonty worked so hard to realise his dream of becoming a paramedic, benefitting with exemplary exam results.

“He enjoyed the practical, ‘hands on’ part of the job, and worked with amazing colleagues being part of the ambulance family.

“It was only last year when Jonty met his love and soul mate Jemma and were planning their exciting future together.

“Jemma has now lost her future with Jonty, and as parents, we have too.

“He will always be loved, we miss him so much.”

Jonty’s parents have also praised the support of the North West Ambulance Service, and the West Midlands Ambulance Service and the Ambulance Service Charity and thanked them for attending the church service.

Jonty’s parter Jemma paid tribute to her ‘soulmate’ and described him as a kind, loving and selfless person.

“You never took life to seriously. Your cheeky smile would always brighten anyone’s day,” said Jemma.

“It’s such an honour to be able to cherish so many memories I have with you, we lived life to the full.

“We had so many plans for the future just taken away too soon.

“You have imprinted so much love and laughter into my life. Love you always Jonty.”

Jonty’s best friend Joe added that Jonty’s unique sense of humour would “never be forgotten” and that he was “grateful to have so many amazing memories.”

“Jonty you were such an amazing friend to so many of us and the perfect best man,” said Joe.

“You were always there on nights out and holidays, being calm, chilled and literally everybody’s best friend as things went crazy around you.

“Your unique sense of humour will never be forgotten - always, giggling, smirking, grinning and pointing out the silly things in life that would otherwise pass us by.

“I am grateful to have so many amazing memories with you which I will never forget.

“You will be missed by so many. Sleep tight mate.”

And Nathan Hudson, emergency operations officer for the West Midlands Ambulance Service, said that Jonty was “just one of those people that got on with everybody” and that the world would be worse off without him around.

“Jonty was just one of those people that got on with everybody, he had the ability to put his patients at ease, empathise with them and their families and provide outstanding care in their hour of need,” said Nathan.

“He was one of life’s good people and the [ambulance service] trust and the world is worse off for not having him with us.”