A HEARTBROKEN family has paid tribute to a hardworking and caring son who has lost his battle with cancer.

Ashley Jones, died peacefully with his loved ones by his side. He was 31.

The St John’s Ambulance worker and former Manningtree High School student, was diagnosed with bowel and liver cancer last November.

The diagnosis came as an extra hardship for Ashley and his wife, Victoria, as they tragically lost their five-month-old son George last February.

George had been born with his organs growing outside his body, and despite successful surgery to put them back, he later died in hospital.

While the couple were still grieving, Ashley was diagnosed with cancer which eventually spread to his lungs.

His mother Wendy Jones, of Harwich Road, Mistley, said: “Ash was hard working and he loved his football and fishing. He was a caring person.

“He was always helping others before himself and he was always cheeky and happy.”

Ashley went through the Scouts and joined St John’s Ambulance Service as a volunteer and was then a first responder and ambulance crew member. Wendy added: “He loved every minute of it.”

His family now want to fulfil Ashley’s legacy to raise £25,000 for Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, which cared for George.

A statement from Wendy, dad Mark, Victoria, and Ashley’s sisters Lisa and Shelley said: “Ashley’s family would like to thank everyone for their kind love and support over the previous month.

“The donations Ash received were generous and we are thankful.

“He will be missed beyond any words by all of his family and friends.

“We will still continue to keep Ash and George’s memory alive by continuing to raise money for the Sick Children’s Trust and hit the £25,000 target Ash made.

“Ash had made an emotional video for young people with cancer which will launch in July for St Helena Hospice.

“We have all got our own memories and he will be missed.”

On Thursday, a crew from the East of England Ambulance Service took Ashley to his former flat to see George’s bedroom for a final time and they then took him to see George’s grave.

Wendy said: “We want to thank them for taking their own time out to do this for Ash.”