MORE than £13,000 has been raised in tribute to Detective Inspector Terry Hopkins, who was stationed at Barry CID, and who died on Christmas Eve.

Serving officer Detective Inspector Hopkins was married with three children and his son Oliver has set up a JustGiving fundraising page in aid of PTSD Resolution.

The charity helps UK Forces’ Veterans and families to resolve military trauma successfully.

Terry’s Army supporters have so far raised £13,112.

Writing on the fundraising page, Oliver said: “Terry was my dad, and was an amazing man.

“He was my biggest inspiration with his bravery, humour and dreadful dress sense.

“But beyond all else he was kind and not only a fantastic dad, but a fantastic person.

“My dad had been in the 9/12th Lancer regiment since he was 16 years old.

“After leaving the army he carried on within the forces and joined the South Wales Police force and progressed to become a negotiator.

“My dad loved his job, but behind the smiles he was carrying a burden of the sights he had seen and the events he witnessed, and became very unwell, suffering with PTSD, and we lost him on Christmas Eve 2018.

“My dad had taken me to visit amazing places such as Paris, Rome and Krakow and would always have a story to tell.

“He had lived a complete life visiting the places he wanted to visit and fathering not only me but two twin girls as well.

“Through all this though he was a great supporter of the armed forces and the army and was very grateful that he’d experienced the walk of the Somme, the camps in Auschwitz and would tell the stories of both World Wars to anyone who would listen.

“The recent loss of him has affected us all and has put into perspective what someone goes through mentally after leaving or being in any armed forces.

“I do not want my dad’s death to be in vain, nor do I want the bad to be remembered. Only the positive.

“So, can you help me, help them that are suffering?

“Three out of 100 soldiers will suffer and show signs of PTSD in their life so let’s help raise money to stop this silent killer,” he said.

“My dad was a good man who affected everyone he met in a positive way.”

Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan divisional commander Chief Superintendent Stuart Parfitt added to the tribute on behalf of his police colleagues.

“Terry was a fantastic detective – hard-working and enthusiastic and a great ambassador for the communities of South Wales that he served,” he said.

“Terry was a hugely respected member of my team and everyone is totally shocked and devastated to hear of his death.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”