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Grandad ‘who loved making people laugh’ loses battle with mental illness

The heartbroken family of a beloved dad and grandad are calling for health reforms after he lost his battle with mental illness.

Tributes have been paid to “incredibly funny and kind” Paul Badger, who died aged 57.

Father-of-three Paul Badger lost his battle with mental health
Father-of-three Paul Badger lost his battle with mental health

The father-of-three, from Sidcup, was a well-known community figure who for many years ran The Beaverwood, an events venue in Chislehurst, with his own dad.

One of Paul’s daughters Jade, from Gravesend, said: “Everywhere we’d go somebody would know my dad.

“We were really lucky growing up to have him and those memories that we’ve got with him at the club.”

He was a proud grandad to five little ones and he would go above and beyond to make them smile.

“A few years ago my son, who was three at the time, really wanted a cowboy outfit so my mom and dad bought him one he put it on and he was really happy.

“We had all the family here and then all of a sudden my dad ran through and he had a matching outfit on too.

Paul Badger with his family
Paul Badger with his family

“He just loved the kids and making people laugh.”

But most of all, Jade says her dad will be remembered for his kind nature.

“He was the person that out of his friends ironically they would go to with their problems because he would always help,” she added.

At the end of 2022, Paul began to face his own troubles.

After losing his dad and father-in-law, he experienced mental health struggles which began to “snowball”.

Paul was in and out of hospitals over the following two years.

Paul had five grandchildren who he loved dearly
Paul had five grandchildren who he loved dearly

Jade is calling for more money to be invested into funding mental health services and changes to how they are run.

She said: “When somebody is admitted to hospital for example a suicide attempt, they’ll be kept in for maybe three days or a week.

“Then you’re sent home and you’re given a home treatment team as they call it, who will contact you – but that is something that I found really difficult to understand.

“There was an emphasis on keeping you safe rather than treating the problem.

“We begged at times for him [dad] to be kept in and treated but they just simply don’t have the space and they don’t have the resources to have inpatient treatment unless someone is at risk to themselves or others they deem it.

“And the issue with that team that I experienced is it’s inconsistent because you’ll get a different person every time, so my dad was having to repeat himself and it was already really difficult for him.”

Paul is remembered for his kind and funny nature
Paul is remembered for his kind and funny nature

On December 9, Paul lost his battle with his mental health leaving his family devastated.

They have set up a fundraiser for the Blackfen team at Hestia House, a home for adults who are experiencing a mental health crisis, which had provided Paul with a place of respite through his struggles.

Jade said: “The staff there were just such kind people and my hope is that we can help someone else and their family so they don’t have to suffer the way we have ultimately.”

So far £4,515 has been raised, far exceeding its original £500 target. To make a donation click here.

Jade added: “There is such a big emphasis and campaigns to talk - especially for men - but they don’t have the resources to support that so I think that’s something that needs to be addressed.

”NHS mental health services don’t have the resources and that isn’t the mental health doctors and nurses, it’s not their fault, they’re amazing but they’re just not funded enough. I mean, it comes at the risk of this.”

Paul will be laid to rest during a ceremony on January 28.

He leaves behind his wife, two daughters, a son and five grandchildren.

For details about other mental health support in Kent and Medway, including Amparo who provide support to anyone bereaved by suicide, please visit kent.gov.uk/mentalhealth.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans any time on 116 123 or chat in confidence with a trained Release the Pressure adviser, anytime, just text the word SHOUT to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160.

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