Mourners came together to pay tribute to a “local hero” who served in the community for more than 50 years last week.

Newham Recorder: Ken LooseleyKen Looseley (Image: Archant)

Ken Looseley, 83, was a well-known member of the St John Ambulance Brigade, West Ham division, for 61 years and was awarded an MBE in 1994 for his work.

Ken, from Glasgow Road, Plaistow, died in April following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Around 100 people came together to attend his funeral at the City of London Cemetery in Manor Park last Thursday.

Ken’s son, Kevan Looseley, said: “He spent his life being committed to helping others. He lived in the area all his life and became a local community hero but he was also my hero and I always looked up to him.”

Newham Recorder: Mr. Kenneth Looseley MBE who had been a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade, 326 West Ham Division, died on the 23rd April 2015 at the Shrewsbury Centre, age 81 after a long battle with cancer.Mr. Kenneth Looseley MBE who had been a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade, 326 West Ham Division, died on the 23rd April 2015 at the Shrewsbury Centre, age 81 after a long battle with cancer. (Image: Archant)

Ken, who was dressed in his ambulance uniform on the day of his funeral, volunteered at West Ham football matches for nearly 50 years.

Kevan. 55, added: “He was dedicated to the work at West Ham. He was there almost every home match since the 1950s to the turn of the century.

“I remember him leading Paul Reaney, who used to play for Leeds United, off the pitch in 1970 following a leg injury.”

The long-serving volunteer, who worked at the Royal London Hospital, also volunteered at Winston Churchill’s funeral in 1965 and during the Moorgate Tube Crash in 1975, which killed 43 people.

Newham Recorder: Mr. Kenneth Looseley MBE who had been a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade, 326 West Ham Division, died on the 23rd April 2015 at the Shrewsbury Centre, age 81 after a long battle with cancer.Mr. Kenneth Looseley MBE who had been a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade, 326 West Ham Division, died on the 23rd April 2015 at the Shrewsbury Centre, age 81 after a long battle with cancer. (Image: Archant)

“His whole life was dedicated to the work of St John Ambulance, he even met my mum Doreen through the service as they both volunteered,” Kevan added.

“It was his lifelong passion and he continued to attend meetings even after he retired.

“Being awarded an MBE from the Queen was definitely the highlight of his career and it was very well deserved.”