Tributes paid to Portchester paramedic, 48, after his sudden death at home

Stephen Dawson, 48, died on Monday, April 6 from ischemic heart disease, going to bed after work on Sunday and sadly never waking up.

A frontline paramedic with South Central Ambulance Service, Stephen had previously spent more than 10 years volunteering with the Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS).

He then trained as a paramedic, operating in the Portsmouth and Petersfield area.

Daughter Hannah, 23, has paid tribute to a man with a big heart, who had plenty of love to give.

She said: ‘He was a very helpful person, always willing to pitch in and do his bit for others.

‘No matter what the situation, he always tried to stay positive – it’s almost like he gave away so much of his heart that he couldn’t carry on.

‘His death has been so shocking, especially since it was so sudden.’

From North End, Stephen moved to Portchester in 2015, while studying paramedic science at the University of Portsmouth.

His family say he was proud to be a paramedic, and that he also volunteered for the Royal International Air Tattoo.

Hannah, who is due to give birth in two weeks' time, added: ‘Dad was so excited to become a grandad; he was over the moon when I said I was pregnant.

‘It's so sad that my baby will never meet their amazing grandad.’

As a teenager he wanted to be part of GAFIRS, but since he was too young to join he would sit and watch the lifeboats head out from Stokes Bay.

Jake Robinson, community director at GAFIRS, said: ‘Steve was an electrician by trade before he became a paramedic, so spent most of his time keeping the electrics in order on our lifeboats.

'He was a bubbly, happy character and was very supportive of everyone around him.

‘Above all, he was a committed team player and gave all he could to help us out.’

His funeral is on April 20, and will be livestreamed from Portchester Crematorium.

Stephen’s family is raising money for the British Heart Foundation, and have so far raised more than £1,900.

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