A man described as a “pillar of his community” who had recently become a grandfather has become the third ambulance worker in Wales to die with Covid-19.
Alan Haigh, who was 59 and worked as an emergency medical technician with the Welsh Ambulance Service, died in hospital on Tuesday having tested positive for coronavirus.
Mr Haigh, described by colleagues as someone who was always “full of life”, lived in Cwmduad, near Cynwyl Elfed, in Carmarthenshire. He joined the ambulance service more than 22 years ago in 1998, working for the non-emergency patient transport service in New Quay and Lampeter in Ceredigion.
In 2008, he became an urgent care assistant and later qualified as an emergency medical technician based in Carmarthen, Whitland and later in New Quay.
Originally from Farnborough in Hampshire, Mr Haigh is survived by his wife Sian, and his sons Ryan, 26, and Colin, 30. He also became a grandfather to Lucy when she was born just 17 weeks ago.
A fundraising page has been set up to support the family of Mr Haigh, who is the third member of the Welsh Ambulance Service to have died with coronavirus, following the deaths of Cwmbran-based call handler Paul Teesdale, who was 64, and 51-year-old paramedic Gerallt Davies MBE, who was based at Cwmbwrla Station in Swansea.
Jason Killens, chief executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Alan Haigh, a popular colleague with more than two decades of service.
“Over the years, Alan helped hundreds if not thousands of people, many of whom would not be alive today if it were not for his skill and commitment as a clinician.
“Colleagues describe Alan as a ‘full of life’ character who loved to chat."
He added: “He was a Manchester United fan and a car enthusiast, as well as a pillar of his community who organised quiz events at his local village hall.
“Alan’s loss will be sorely felt by everyone here at Team WAST, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family.
“Our focus now is on supporting his family and bereaved colleagues at this difficult time, many of whom will be at work today and over the coming weeks continuing to provide care for those in need.”
