A DEVASTATED woman has spoken out about her partner’s long battle with depression to encourage others with mental health problems to seek help.

Kate Culff, 42, has paid a moving tribute to “gentle giant” Brien Chambers, 39, whose bodywas found on grassland near Hornbeam Way, Laindon, earlier this month after a police search.

She is raising money for mental health charity Mind after Brien was left afraid of accepting help from mental health services following an intervention 20 years ago.

Ms Culff, of Osier Drive, Laindon, said: “Brien was a complicated character; a gentle 6ft 6ins giant of a man with a heart to match.

“He was sensitive and witty, with a practical mind and a generous nature.

“As stepdad to Erin, Izzy, Zach and Hazel, he was a caring and thoughtful man – always trying to keep them amused with martial art tricks and handmade gifts.”

His mental health began to deteriorate at the age of 19 when he lost his mum Brenda to an aggressive form of throat cancer.

After a short spell in prison he moved around the country, shedding his original name of Paul Summerfield, and attempting to move on from his past.

The self-employed carpenter settled in Essex in 2010, moving from Southend to Rochford before setting up home in Laindon with Ms Culff.

She said his life “took a tragic turn” at the beginning of this year when he stopped self-medicating his depression and struggled to find work.

Ms Culff added: “Brien refused medical help for his condition.

“His experience of the mental health services 20 years ago had left him fearful of this type of intervention.”

Despite his mental health problems, Brien remained a loving partner and together they tried to work through his depression.

She admits his illness was “overwhelming”.

Ms Culff added: “I turned to the Mind website for advice and guidance on how to deal with his anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.

“For several months this support, in addition to several calls to the Samaritans, helped give Brien at least some counselling.

“We can only hope he has now found the peace he desired and is no longer tormented by the mental illness which blighted an otherwise beautiful life.

“The familywould appreciate any donations to Mind to ensure no other big, brave men have to endure mental illness in silence.”

His funeral will be held at Chelmsford Crematorium’s South Chapel at 1.30pm on Thursday.