'His loss is simply immeasurable'

Tributes have been paid to Unite member Gerallt Davies, the first member of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust to die with Covid-19.

Gerallt was based at Cwmbwrla Station in Swansea. He joined the Ambulance Service in 1994 and was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to first aid provision in Wales. He was also the national operations officer for St John Ambulance Cymru.

“This is incredibly sad news.  I want to pay tribute to Gerallt on behalf of the entire Unite family. Gerallt was a hugely popular individual and a dedicated NHS worker and a member of our union for over 25 years,” said Peter Hughes Unite Wales Regional Secretary.

His incredible service to first aid as National Operations Manager for St John Cymru, was rewarded with an MBE just last year.

“He will be hugely missed by his fellow Unite members, colleagues and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him,” said Hughes.

“Gerallt was a hero alongside all of our frontline NHS staff. Day in day out they are selflessly putting themselves at risk in order to protect us all from this terrible virus. When all of this is over we must never forget their brave service and all of the sacrifices they have made,” he added.

Gerallt’s colleague, fellow Swansea paramedic Paul Seppman, worked with him for the past 16 years.

“Gerallt was a much loved character. He loved an audience and the audience loved him. Everyone who knew him has endless stories about him and he filled so many people with so much joy. He was a true professional and loved his career with the Welsh Ambulance Service and St John’s,” said Paul.

“Words can’t describe how much we are all going to miss him. His loss is simply immeasurable.” he added.