WITHIN weeks of the tragic sudden death of his 11-year-old stepson Ryan Jones, ambulance service volunteer John Wheat was back on duty helping save lives.

That work includes attending patients suffering similar seizures to those Ryan - diagnosed with benign epilepsy - had in the months leading up to his death in his sleep, in September 2008.

Now the Newport First Responder's "incredible courage" has been marked with an award from the Wales Ambulance Services NHS Trust.

Mr Wheat won the trust's South East Wales regional volunteer award in recognition of a dedication to his role that makes him, says regional First Responder manager Tony Rossetti, "an exceptional example to his community."

Mr Wheat has been a First Responder in the city for three years, providing vital early intervention for patients in their homes when needed, ahead of the arrival of paramedics.

That work involved him performing CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) in an unsuccessful attempt to revive Ryan after he found him unresponsive in bed when he went to wake him for school.

Mr Wheat dedicated the award to Ryan, who he says is his inspiration when he is called out.

"It's been very hard for all of us, Ryan's mum Sarah, his brothers and sisters, and myself, but the reason I am a First Responder now is the same as it always has been, to give something back to the community," said Mr Wheat, 42.

"It was difficult at first, and the calls out to people suffering seizures are the hardest of all, but it is about trying to help patients and the people who are with them.

"I've had great support from my family to keep doing this. This award is for them and for Newport First Responders team, as much as for me."

'He leads by example'

MR WHEAT, who lives with his family in Ringland, works at Screwfix in Newport, but still manages 60-80 hours a week on-call as part of a Newport First Responder team that has attended more than 2,000 calls in three years.

In his citation, Mr Rossetti, who nominated Mr Wheat for the award, called him one of the ambulance service's most active First Responders, who "leads by example."

Mr Wheat had displayed "incredible courage in his role," said Mr Rossetti.

"(Ryan's death) was a very tragic event, but it did not stop John's enthusiasm and motivation."