DEVASTATED family and workmates have paid tribute to a "well-respected and exceptional" Oldbury paramedic who has died suddenly.

Colleagues of Jeff Rushton have set up a fund to help his family after his untimely death at home on Monday February 11, aged 58.

The £500 target has been smashed as more than £1.9k has flooded in as well as tributes to grandfather-of-two Jeff, who had been a popular paramedic for West Midlands Ambulance Service since 2000.

A statement on the page set up by his colleagues states: "In honour of such a wonderful man we knew as Jeff, we have set up this fundraising page for anyone who wishes to make a donation.

"The monies raised would be gifted to his family, especially his grandchildren.

"Not only was Jeff a devoted husband, loving father and grandparent, he was a well respected and exceptional paramedic.

"Jeff was part of WMAS for over 18 years. He touched so many hearts and cared for others unconditionally.

"Jeff was an inspirational gentleman who will be sorely missed by his family, friends and colleagues forever."

Mr Rushton, of Harvington Road, leaves daughters Caroline Calvert, Angela Thompson and Natalie Smith.

He leaves grandchildren Annabelle Calvert, aged 11 and Thomas Calvert, aged nine. Angela is due to give birth in six weeks.

Caroline, who lives in Rowley Regis, said: "We are extremely proud of everything dad achieved in his life.

"He made a real and significant difference to people's lives during his time in the ambulance service.

"He was also a mentor, bringing on the next generation of paramedics.

"He was the most wonderful, caring, fun loving and kind dad, grandad, brother and uncle.

"He will be missed by his family, forever loved and always remembered.

"Our comfort is that he is now with mom."

Caroline's husband Richard Calvert posted on the Crowdfunding page: "The West Midlands Ambulance Service was like a second family to Jeff.

"He was passionate about his job and the friends he worked with.

"He was always touched by any cards or letters he received from patients he had helped.

"He loved his job so much and we were so proud of what he did.

"We will never forget the support he received throughout his time with WMAS. God bless you all ."

Jeff's funeral will be on Friday March 8 at St Giles Church, Church Road, Rowley Regis, at 1.45pm.

The burial will take place at Powke Lane Cemetery, at 2.30pm, with a wake afterwards at Brandhall Labour Club, Tame Road, Oldbury.

Mr Rushton, who was based at WMAS's Hollymoor base, in Northfield, was widowed in 2015. He and his wife Christine met when they lived next door to each other as teenagers. Before working as a paramedic Mr Rushton was shop manager at Rydale Windows in Blackheath. At the time of his death he had been off work with a shoulder injury, but was due to return soon.

The Crowdfunding page is at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/suzanne-mallin