I am in absolute pieces. I have lost my best friend, the man who gave me immense support, love and encouragement, whilst fighting his own demons.

My dad, Paul Berman, passed away unexpectedly last week. We will not know the cause until we receive the results of the postmortem. He lived in East Dulwich for the last 30 years. He spent many years as a sign writer and painter and decorator, predominantly on Lordship Lane and the surrounding areas.

My dad had complete faith in my abilities and I am determined to continue to make him proud. Since I was 6 years old, he was a single parent and he worked extremely hard to give me the best life he could, yet he struggled for years with his own pain which made his life difficult, and that of his loved ones.

My dad was loved and appreciated by many people, he had a cheeky hippie smile and a unique way of looking at the world. For those who knew him closely, knew that he cared deeply about humanity and the environment. He loved nature; especially trees and animals (he had three cats that he cherished). He was intelligent, open minded, and always had the time to give people advice and thoughtful gifts, such as books or spiritual stones.

Yet my dad also suffered from severe mental health issues, due to various traumas that he experienced, which meant that he struggled with daily life. I also think this contributed to his ultimate demise, as he did not receive the help that he deserved. I am glad society is changing and mental health is being discussed more freely yet I still think there is a stigma attached to it, particularly when it manifests into ongoing battles with addiction. I hope that this situation will encourage other people to seek help, and deal with the route cause of their mental health issues.

Many family friends have said that he seemed really well within the weeks before he died, I spoke with him daily and he seemed determined to make and sustain positive changes. It is such a sad waste of a life, as my dad was 55, and still had many dreams and ambitions, such as the time he wanted to spend with his three grandsons (6,3 and 1). Yet one saving grace is that I think he is finally at peace now and no longer suffering.

I have set up this page, as my dad always said that he wanted to be buried in a bio degradable box, and fertilise the earth. He wanted to go back to nature where he found some sense of peace. We would like to lay him to rest in a natural burial ground; 'Green Acres' within Epping Forest. My dad spent much of his childhood and adult life there as it was his happy place. It is also where I have great memories of him.

In order to fulfill my dads wishes of a natural burial which costs around 5,500 pounds we need all the support we can get, as this has hit us unexpectedly and we are struggling to cover the full costs. Whatever you could give would be most appreciated and truly cherished! It would help us give my dad the peaceful journey that he deserves!!