Paramedic Given Grand Send-Off At Funeral

The family of a paramedic who tragically died after being diagnosed with bowel cancer have paid tribute to a ‘brilliant doting dad and grandfather’.

Aarron Burgess (57), was given a grand sending off during a funeral service attended by colleagues and St John's Ambulance, for whom he worked.

The father-of-three of Fontwell Lane, Derker, was a paramedic for Oldham for around 20 years before joining St John’s Ambulance.  

His brother, Scott said he started off as a emergency medical technician and gradually worked up the ranks to become a paramedic trainer.  

He described his funeral as ‘amazing’, explaining: “The ambulance driven by his colleagues turned up and led the hearse. It was beautiful and a very proud moment for the whole family. 

“His colleagues were there and the residents on the street came out and clapped as they did during Covid. 

“Everybody wore Hawaiian shirts, wacky shirts as I call them.” 

Scott, a former window cleaner, said his brother’s death was unexpected adding: “Everything happened suddenly. One minute he was diagnosed with bowel cancer and the next he said he only had two weeks left. 

“His condition deteriorated very quickly. He was in Oldham Hospital on his birthday on March 18, and we went, and it was amazing how he was showing the nurse, who had a student with her, how to insert the drains and showing them what to do. 

“He had a great sense of humour. He was older than me.” 

Scott sobbed as he recalled the moment he would stand up for his brother when bullied as a child and felt helpless for the first time as he couldn’t help him when he became poorly. 

He said: “He had the darkest sense of humour but made everybody laugh. He was a brilliant doting dad and grandfather. I miss him every day. When we were children, I used to stick up for him, but I couldn’t help him this time, but I feel peace when thinking that he is with mum, our uncle and mates now. 

“I would like to urge people to go and get themselves tested for bowel cancer to prevent what we have been through.”