Dedicated ambulance worker mourned (From The Oxford Times)

Dedicated ambulance worker mourned

10:10am Monday 16th April 2012 in News

Ambulance workers formed a guard of honour at Oxford Town Hall on Saturday at the funeral of a loved and dedicated colleague.

Ambulance technician Jason Garford, 31, inset, of Headington, died on Thursday, April 5, after losing a battle with throat cancer.

The service was held at the Town Hall in St Aldate’s, with more than 200 people paying their respects.

Mourners were shown a slideshow of his life, videos of him skydiving and a collage of amateur dramatic productions he had taken part in.

Colleagues carried the coffin and ambulance service motorcycles and a 4x4 formed a cortege from his home.

Mr Garford, who was married to Sarka, was brought up in Carterton and studied sports science at the University of Greenwich in London.

He joined the ambulance service in 2008 and was on his way to achieving his dream of becoming a paramedic when he died.

South Central Ambulance Service area manager for Oxfordshire Aubrey Bell said: “He loved his job.

“He was incredibly kind and conscientious and was passionate about his work and looking after patients.”

He will be cremated at Oxford Crematorium in Headington today.