Steve Evans retires after 44 years

Steve Evans at the retirement presentation with NWAS Head of Driving Standards Paul Jones-Roberts

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The longest serving paramedic for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) Steve Evans has retired after 44 dedicated years.

In 1971 at the age of 16, a fresh faced Steve began his career as an ambulance cadet in the Merseyside area. Steve remained in the Merseyside and Cheshire area for his entire career, becoming a paramedic in 1989 and in the last six years he has trained other paramedics across the Trust.

Steve, 60, has always busied himself in undertaking a wide range of successful projects outside his commitments as a paramedic. Writing medical books and his world famous ‘Don’t Walk Away’ campaign, aimed at protecting young people, saw him rewarded with an MBE in this year’s New Year’s Honours list.

Saving thousands of lives over his many years in the Service and delivering 19 babies, including one on Christmas day, Steve was given a special send off by the Trust with a retirement presentation.

Speaking at the retirement presentation Steve said: “It’s been an incredible experience watching the ambulance service change over the years. The main thing I’ve always wanted to do as a paramedic is to make a difference. Whether you’re out on the road saving lives or training the next generation of paramedics, you’re always part of a team making a huge difference to so many lives every day.

“I didn’t have the qualifications to get into the police, so my Mum told me to sign up with the ambulance service. I’ve never looked back. The people in the Service are incredible and I’ll definitely miss my colleagues the most.”

Bob McGowan, Interim Head of Service for Cheshire and Merseyside said: “Steve has been a brilliant member of the team and brought a great deal of dedication, passion and enthusiasm to his roles. He will be truly missed in the Trust by colleagues up and down the North West. We all wish Steve a long and happy retirement and thank him for all his incredible work over the years.”

Steve plans to spend his retirement continuing his work training street pastors and using the lawnmower he received from colleagues as a leaving gift. Steve will also be cycling Land’s End to John o’ Groats in September and will be spending the next five months training for his ‘epic’ cycle ride.