Hero who rescued four girls from stormy sea dies of coronavirus

He had swam 250 metres out to sea to save the girls in a rubber dinghy.

A retired police community support officer who once rescued four teenage girls from the North Sea has died of coronavirus.

John Hood, 66, who had diabetes and a heart condition, had stayed in isolation for over a week after contracting Covid-19. His condition then worsened, and he was taken to Ipswich Hospital, where he died on Tuesday.

He had previously been given the Stars of Suffolk award for swimming 250 metres out to sea to save the girls, all of who were 15, when their rubber dinghy was swept away in 2016.

Mr Hood, who had a pace maker to correct a slow heart beat, said at the time: ‘I could have stayed on the beach and called the coastguard, but I know I am a strong swimmer, I know the water and I made a decision to go in.’

Originally from Dunedin, in New Zealand, Mr Hood had migrated to the UK in 2004 with his former partner, from Suffolk. He served as a PCSO with Suffolk Constabulary from 2007 to 2018, and had previously worked as a radio presenter.

His partner Nita Crossley, who is now in isolation, described him as a ‘kind, generous and courageous man’ who had ‘lived life to the full’.

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Mr Hood was also involved in amateur theatre and had been a keen triathlete while living in Australia.

His former partner Jayne Lindill, who he remained close friends with for 23 years, said: ‘John had a big heart and made an impression on everyone he met. His great passions were rugby, his native New Zealand, music and theatre.

‘He also loved Suffolk as his adopted home and was looking forward to enjoying more of it with Nita.’

She added: ‘We’re very grateful to the paramedics and the staff at Ipswich Hospital for the care they gave John while he was battling this terrible virus.

‘They’re doing an incredibly difficult job and no praise is too great for them.’

Suffolk Chief Constable Steve Jupp said on behalf of Suffolk Constabulary: ‘Suffolk Police send condolences to John’s family and friends, thinking of you at this sad time.’