THIS evening's clapping tribute to the heroes of the NHS at Basildon & Thurrock Hospital was particularly poignant as a victim of the Covid-19 virus was remembered by his colleagues.

Paramedic Neil Ruch died on Monday after a lengthy fight against the virus. He passed away at the hospital in Basildon where colleagues came together to remember him and say thank-you to those who tried to save him. Mr Ruch, from Canvey Island, had been admitted in April.

Pipers paid a lament to Neil as the minute of applause took place and then a minute's silence was held. Ambulance crews from across the East of England region were among those who attended.

Among the many tributes paid to Mr Ruch, who was originally from Switzerland, was this from former colleagues at the Essex Medical Training Centre who said: "Whilst dedicating his career to providing life saving treatment, Neil Ruch contracted Covid-19 and after a long battle, sadly died. Neil was a fantastic Paramedic, a kind, gentle soul, treasured by all that new him. We will be renaming our classroom area 'The Neil Ruch Suite', as a memorial to the lasting impact he has had on so many lives. Stand down Neil, rest in Peace."