A DEDICATED volunteer who began work with Basildon Mind after a mental health breakdown has said his goodbyes and retired ... 28 years on. 

Terry Beresford, 74, says Basildon Mind saved his life following his breakdown before he began volunteering in the early 90s. 

Having worked as a London firefighter for 20 years, Terry had always had a soft spot for helping people, and has even been awarded with a Royal Humane Society Award for helping to resuscitate a man in a car fire.

And since joining the charity, based on Whitmore Way, Mr Beresford has been determined to continue giving back. 

He went on to help launch Basildon Mind’s listening ear helpline, and became vice chairman of the charity.

His daughter, Julie Edwards, said: “Dad was there near enough every day and absolutely loved what he did.

“He joined when he needed help himself. He had a breakdown after going through so much in his life and had lost his sense of direction really, he just needed some guidance.

“They were fantastic and gave him counselling and therapy, and even just by letting him volunteer over the years where he gets to meet lots of people has really helped him. 

“He decided to stay and has been there ever since so he can help those who may be in a similar situation which he was.”

And Terry earned a reputation of doing all he could for the charity over the years, whether it was through donations or taking on challenged. 

Julie, 47, added: “From that point on he has done charity walks for them, fire walks for them, he even donated £1,000 to the charity from his books which he has published over the years. In total there are four- one about his life and the other three for poetry. 

“Working here was his passion. He is a kind, gentle man, who will do anything for you. He makes people laugh and has always enjoyed helping others, I guess it comes from his role as a firemen which he is still so proud of to this day.”

And Julie was so inspired by her father, she now volunteers for the charity - working in the shop, fundriaisng and helping out with admin work. 

She added:“I know he will miss all the friends he has made, they’re like a family there.  

“As he got older he couldn’t go as often but he didn’t give up. It makes me so proud to see what he has achieved.”

Mr Beresford, from Wickford, added: “I would like to thank Basildon Mind for saving my life. I truly will miss the staff, volunteers and clients that I met along my journey with them.

"My greatest memory would have to be working with my good friend Peter Barry, who was also a helpline volunteer.”