An emergency medical technician (EMT) who gave his all to save the lives of others has died after a short battle with cancer.

Eastern Daily Press: Billy (Alastair) Harvey. Photo: Harvey familyBilly (Alastair) Harvey. Photo: Harvey family (Image: Harvey family)

Billy Harvey - whose real name was Alastair - worked for the East of England Ambulance Trust (EEAST) in Norfolk for nine years and was based at the Longwater depot in Norwich.

He started with the service as an emergency care assistant, before qualifying as an EMT.

The 39-year-old died at home on September 9, after he was unexpectedly diagnosed with the late stages of cancer.

His wife Natasha described him as 'a wonderful loving husband, daddy, son and friend. Billy will be very sadly missed by all that met him.'

Eastern Daily Press: Billy (Alastair) Harvey. Photo: Harvey familyBilly (Alastair) Harvey. Photo: Harvey family (Image: Harvey family)

Tributes have also been paid by those at the ambulance trust.

And on social media many members of staff shared photos of a thin green line to pay their respects.

This is the emergency medical service equivalent to the thin blue line which is often used as a mark of respect to commemorate fallen police officers.

Di Chan, EEAST senior locality manager for central Norfolk, said: 'We are absolutely devastated by the loss of Billy.

'He was very likeable and was always on hand to help colleagues.

'He was an advocate of life-long learning.

'He was an unassuming, but lovely guy and always looked on the bright side of life.

'He will be greatly missed by us all and his loss is like losing a member of the family.'

Fraer Stevenson, EEAST unison branch secretary, added: 'Billy was a very special man who spent his life helping others.

'Kind, compassionate, with an infectious sense of humour that lifted people around him.

'He'll be greatly missed by his ambulance family in Norfolk. We've set up a fund to help support his family at this very difficult time and any contributions are greatly appreciated.'

More than £700 has already been raised on a JustGiving page, set up by Ms Stevenson.

As well as easing the family's immediate financial worries, it is hoped the money can help pay for a family holiday too.

• The funeral service will be held at St Faiths Crematorium at 11.45am on October 2, 2017.

• To donate, visit the JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/fundforbilly