Traffic was stopped in Ely yesterday as ambulance crew lined up to pay their respects to a popular paramedic who died within weeks of a cancer diagnosis.

Lance Cox, 42, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in April. His ‘green family’ of ambulance work colleagues joined forces to say their final good byes to him this week after raising more than £3,700 for his wife Claire and four year old daughter Pip.

Chris Murkin, duty locality officer at Ely ambulance station, said: “Lance was a really unassuming person, he never made a fuss, just got on with things.

“He was a very popular work colleague, if every ambulance station across the country was full of Lance Cox’s, they would just run themselves. He was polite, articulate and kind and an all round good chap to have around.”

Claire Dunham said on setting up a Just Giving page for Lance’s family in June: “Lance in my eyes is a legend and not just my work colleague but my best friend and family.

“Lance, your Green Family are with you and your family all the way.

“I have worked with Lance for a number of years, we have shared many happy moments and many sad moments, given the nature of our job.

“Lance has worked tirelessly for the past 10 years to save lives and help people in need, in their time of need.”

Lance, of Sutton, was a paramedic with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, based at Ely Station, saving lives and helping many people in and around the local community since 2009.

He was also the crew member who carried out blue light training assessments at the Ely ambulance station.

The hearse and funeral cortege passed Ely ambulance station at around 2.30pm on Wednesday (26) while 25 ambulance staff bowed their heads in respect.

The cortege then made its way to Cambridge Crematorium for the funeral followed by a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance.

The Just Giving page for Lance’s family has raised £3,770 and is filled with warm comments from family, friends, colleagues and people he has helped.

One said he was: “One of the nicest and most generous people in green,” another “I‘ve had the privilege to know and work alongside Lance and he’s a true gentlemen and one of the good guys.”

Another wrote: “I was privileged to be crew mates with Lance Cox for about two years before we qualified as paramedics. I got to find out what a wonderful friend, crew mate, husband and human being that man truly is.”

Another said: “A true good guy, who has helped so many in his community.”