HAVING a good friend to listen to and share a problem with is something that most people value but when a person is suffering from a mental illness it can be a real lifeline.

One such 'friend' is Mike Davies from Sydenham, who for nearly 25 years has offered his 'ear' and time to those benefiting from The Caradon Befriending Scheme.

Mike, aged 88, last month was honoured by the Callington-based scheme, after clocking up an impressive 325,000 miles and getting through six cars, in his quest to help others and be there for people battling mental illness in East Cornwall.

Having retired as a plantation manager in Kuala Lumpa, Malaya, Mike, along with his wife Glenys and children moved to Sydenham Damerel in the mid 1980s.

Their three children, Sian, Jonathan and Gareth were all born in Malaya.

Mike became involved in voluntary work by accident. Glenys worked as a clerical officer at Liskeard Hospital in the psychiatric department and one day he was asked by the deputy there if would like to became a volunteer driver.

Of his voluntary work, he said: 'I've really enjoyed it and had great satisfaction of doing one's bit for the community as well as meeting some great people.

'Many of those who use the Caradon Befriending Scheme service are socially isolated and despite having mental illness, are sent home to deal with it and have no-one to talk to; they become depressed and it becomes a vicious circle.

'Just spending time with them, visiting them in their home, taking them shopping or just having a chat means so much to them.'

Sadly for Mike his wife Glendys died two years ago and to him, being someone's 'friend' has helped him, in a small way, with his loss.

At his peak Mike befriended eight clients a week and even now, in his advancing years, he stoically still befriends one man he has been meeting for a number of years and has become a good friend, who Mike looks forward to seeing.'

He recommends the Caradon Befriending Scheme to anyone interested in giving their time to help others.

Keith Corbett, the schemes' chairman of trustees, said: 'Mike has been a staunch member since our inception and you could say he is the ideal volunteer; he is selfless and whatever his own problems puts the person he is befriending first. Mike is truly inspirational. He is so typical of the volunteers who give their time to the scheme.'

The scheme has recently become a non-registered charity. It would be grateful for any support. For more information on the Caradon Befriending Scheme call 01579 384881 or email [email protected]">[email protected]