Ambulance workers from across the region came together to remember a colleague whose kindness helped improve the lives of thousands of people.

Eastern Daily Press: Ambulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany WoodmanAmbulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany Woodman (Image: Archant)

Luke Wright, who worked for the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) in Norwich, died suddenly on Sunday, November 10.

The 24-year-old, from Costessey, first joined the ambulance service in 2014 as a call handler, before becoming a dispatcher in 2018.

Eastern Daily Press: Ambulance worker Luke Wright, from Costessey, died in November 2019. Picture: Wright FamilyAmbulance worker Luke Wright, from Costessey, died in November 2019. Picture: Wright Family (Image: Archant)

He had previously worked as a community first responder, including with the SOS Bus which provides a life-saving service to Norwich's bustling nightlife.

At Mr Wright's funeral on Tuesday, hundreds of co-workers formed a guard of honour as the procession arrived at Breckland Crematorium in Scoulton.

Eastern Daily Press: Ambulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany WoodmanAmbulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany Woodman (Image: Archant)

During the opening segment of the service, celebrant Izzy Rider spoke about Mr Wright's childhood as a "happy, energetic, bubbly little boy".

She described his passion for food, gaming, days out with family and - most importantly - his daughter Alice, who was born last December.

Eastern Daily Press: Ambulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany WoodmanAmbulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany Woodman (Image: Archant)

Mr Wright's brother, Daniel, read a poem encapsulating memories shared by the pair, before Nicholas Jones, senior ambulance operations centre manager at EEAS, provided heartfelt words on behalf of his colleagues.

"Luke would always come into work early with a cheeky smile," said Mr Jones. "He was passionate about all that he did and knew the difference he was making to every patient.

Eastern Daily Press: Ambulance worker Luke Wright, who died in November 2019, loved travelling travelling to countries including the USA. Picture: Wright FamilyAmbulance worker Luke Wright, who died in November 2019, loved travelling travelling to countries including the USA. Picture: Wright Family (Image: Archant)

"We remember Luke with fondness in our hearts, the guy with a dry sense of humour who would always ask why.

"We will continue to remember and cherish him. We will continue to help patients with the same passion he had. We will never forget our friendly, caring, compassionate colleague and friend."

Eastern Daily Press: Ambulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany WoodmanAmbulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany Woodman (Image: Archant)

Ben Hawkins, who worked alongside Mr Wright in the ambulance service, then led a series of reflections from friends.

"Luke and I shared many memories together - and we both had the same passion for fast food," said Mr Hawkins.

Eastern Daily Press: Ambulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany WoodmanAmbulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany Woodman (Image: Archant)

"I remember when Luke went from call handler to dispatcher and I was so chuffed. He was raising a beautiful little girl and doing so well.

"He was funny, caring and gold-hearted. I could not have asked for a better friend."

Eastern Daily Press: Luke Wright, 24, from Norwich died on November 10 2019. Picture: Wright FamilyLuke Wright, 24, from Norwich died on November 10 2019. Picture: Wright Family (Image: Archant)

Addressing his ambulance colleagues, Mr Hawkins added: "We are all incredible in what we can and Luke would have been so proud of us."

- For help and support visit norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk. Alternatively, call the Samaritans' 24/7 free helpline via 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.

Eastern Daily Press: Ambulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany WoodmanAmbulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany Woodman (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Ambulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany WoodmanAmbulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany Woodman (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Ambulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany WoodmanAmbulance workers formed a guard of honour at the funeral for Luke Wright, from Costessey. Picture: Brittany Woodman (Image: Archant)