The family of a hero dad who died tragically whilst saving his daughter’s life has urged well-wishers to help “safeguard the future” of his wife and kids.
Paul Doran, 45, tragically died last Wednesday when he heroically rescued his 11-year-old girl in water off the west coast of Australia.
His repatriation has not yet been finalised - but his family hopes the arrangements should be helped thanks to a €40,000 target on a Go Fund Me page.
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Paul, wife Simonee, and their three children had been playing at Seven Mile Beach on Lennox Head, over 700 kms north of Sydney, in the Coral Sea of the Gold Coast in the state of New South Wales when he died.
His devastated wife Simonne and children – daughter Lyra and sons Vann and Shay - are being comforted in Australia by Paul’s parents.
His mum Helen and dad Pat, who is well-known for his Kildare-based company Pat Doran Construction, flew to Oz on Sunday. They issued a statement on Tuesday to reveal their devastation at their heartbreaking loss and also to urge people to help Simonne and the children.
They said: “It is hard to believe that we have lost Paul, and under such traumatic circumstances. He was so looking forward to the future and had so many plans for his family. If you are a parent, or have children in your life, then you know exactly what we mean when we say Paul wanted the best for his kids.
“He valued their education, playing sports and being involved in different activities, but also spending time together as a family. Which is exactly what they were doing that evening when he lost his life saving them.
“Paul and Simonne found a lovely house to rent in Australia, with good schools nearby and a short commute to work so they could prioritise family time. They were a two-income family, paying rent, bills and schooling. Your care and kindness is safeguarding the future Paul wanted for his family.”
The statement added: “Your support is helping with a funeral service in Australia and at home in Ireland. It will ensure Paul's family can afford flights home to do this and be surrounded by friends and family who knew and loved Paul.
“Paul and Simonne's families are doing their best to support Simonne and the kids, but it all adds up quickly. We just want to give the kids routine and stability over the next few months and for their mum not to be forced into making difficult decisions.
“We want those kids to have the life that Paul dreamed for them and worked hard for. Thank you for your donations, for sharing, and for making this possible.”
Over €36,000 has been raised on the Go Fund Me page to help the family return Paul to home in Ireland.
Family friend Brendan McDonnell, who set up the page, said: “Tragically on January 18, we lost Paul when he drowned at Lennox Head in Australia, while together with his wife, bravely saving their children.
“The family were enjoying an evening in the sea in shallow waters when conditions quickly changed and they got into difficulty.
“Paul and Simonne quickly swung into action, getting their two boys Vann and Shay to shore, followed by their daughter Lyra. He leaves behind his beloved wife Simonne and adored children Vann, Lyra and Shay, parents Pat and Helen, siblings Aoife, Emma, Gavin and Sarah.”
Brendan added: “Paul was 100% passionate about everything in his life, particularly his family and was devoted to his children. Like any parent, he wanted the best for their futures. In this regard, the family moved to Australia only last July.
“It was to be an exciting new chapter in their lives and they were thoroughly enjoying their new lives when the tragedy occurred. Please help us honour Paul by raising funds for Simonne and his children who are coping with the tragedy on the opposite side of the world at this incredibly difficult time.”
Paul, from Tipperkevin in Ballymore Eustace, and Simonne, who is the daughter of Kildare businessman Jim Sheridan, well-known for the Johnstown Inn, both worked for Pat Doran Construction until they moved to Australia last July. They were building a new life for their young family when tragedy struck a week ago.
Both Paul and Simonne rushed into the waves and swam out to rescue Lyra, who was on a bodyboard, but Paul got into difficulty and drowned. It took off-duty lifeguards an anguishing 30 minutes to find his body and, despite paramedics’ CPR efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lifeguard Scott McCartney said: “The father pushed the girl back to shore and became stuck himself. It just looks like he ran out of energy and unfortunately drowned. It’s heart-breaking for everyone.”
Simonne has since posted happy family photos online of herself with Paul and their three children and shared memories of their time together.
Friends continue to send messages of support to Simonne and the family.
One wrote: “Thinking of you, Simonne. So sorry for your loss.” Another said: “Simonne, I am so sorry and am thinking of you all.”
Lennox Head resident Stuart O’Dea, who was at the beach with his daughter and grandson Callum, described it as “a true tragedy”. He said: “It was awful, it’s so sad. It’s a dangerous beach. It’s hazardous. It’s just horrible.”
Donations can be made to the Go Fund Me page in aid of Paul’s family via the Paul Doran Hero Dad Fundraiser.
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