AN inspirational couple are retiring after helping to save the lives of hundreds of residents.

John and Pat Eaton have been to more than 400 emergencies in their roles as community first responders in Brightlingsea.

For 13 years the couple have been on hand when the worst happens.

Fellow responder Steve Wicks said: “It’s a tough act to follow.

“John and Pat are an amazing couple who have worked tirelessly to keep our responder group going.

“They have been inspirational in their commitment to providing the town with an immediate local response for medical emergencies.

“They leave us with the legacy of a highly active and supportive team who will ensure that their great work will be continued.”

Brightlingsea First Responders was the first group in Essex when it was launched in 1997.

Over the years, John and Pat took on more and more life-saving responsibilities, only stopping now as John nears the age of 70.

He became joint co-ordinator in 2009 and a member of the Essex-wide first responders group.

The couple received a Pride of Tendring Award earlier this year, which said: “It is true you are only as good as the team you work with, but without their efforts, there would not be a team.”

Brightlingsea First Responders received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2008.

John and Pat couple were Deputy and Lady Deputy of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea in 2010.

They also helped inspire senior paramedic Ben Finbow, who started as a first responder in Brightlingsea.

Mr Eaton said: “I think Ben was still in short trousers when we took him to ambulance control in Chelmsford.

From then onwards he wanted to become a paramedic.

“He is now a senior paramedic and our training manager.”

Pat and John have now been made joint lifetime presidents of the group.