Coronavirus: Tributes paid to 'amazing husband and father' and former SECAmb paramedic

Tributes have been paid to a former paramedic and an 'amazing husband and father' who died on Tuesday (May, 12) after testing positive for coronavirus. The Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust said Peter Hart's 52nd birthday was on the same day that he lost his life. Previously a paramedic with South East Coast Ambulance Service, Peter worked shifts in the emergency department at East Surrey Hospital for many years before joining Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust full time in 2017. Peter's family said: "Pete has touched so many people’s lives, spreading his joy and kindness wherever he went. "An amazing Husband and Dad. "Nothing will ever bring him back to us, though the overwhelming love and support from family, friends and the local community has given us such comfort. "We are in awe of the tireless efforts of all NHS workers currently battling this evil virus. "We would sincerely like to thank the incredible ICU team at East Surrey Hospital for their world-class, compassionate care. "Our thoughts are also with his Emergency Department colleagues, whom he considered his second family. "A huge hole has been left in our hearts. "We love you, forever and always." The Trust said his dedication to patients extended to volunteering at East Surrey Hospital, where he would visit with his pet therapy dog to lift the spirits of those receiving care. Michael Wilson CBE said: "I was privileged to have known Peter for ten years and proud to call him a friend and a colleague. "He was such a lovely man, whose priority was always the care of our patients and this would shine through whenever we spoke. "All of our thoughts are with Peter’s family; we are in touch with them to offer our condolences and support." Jo Crerar, SECAmb NHS Foundation Turst's operating unit manager for Gatwick and Redhill, said Peter was a highy respected paramedic. Jo added: "Peter continued to serve his community working additional bank shifts for SECAmb after joining East Surrey Hospital in 2017. "Peter joined SECAmb in 2006 as an Emergency Care Assistant and progress his career through Ambulance Technician, Paramedic, Clinical Team Leader before qualifying as a Paramedic Practitioner. "I know that he will be very much missed by his colleagues and friends alike. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who knew Peter at this sad and difficult time." More Radio is continuously dedicated to providing a quality news service on-air and online, reporting local stories that matter across Sussex. If you found this story useful, then check out our home page at moreradio.online where you can find the latest from the county, along with features and competitions from our presenters, as well as listening to the station live. You can also sign up to our news alerts to receive updates on new stories. Simply click on the bell at the bottom right of the home page. This will then allow a pop-up which will ask if you would like to receive alerts. Press ‘allow’ and you’re all signed up! You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.