The family of Paul Doran has thanked the public for their generous donations over the past few weeks and said “it’s hard to believe that we have lost” him.
The father-of-three died when he heroically rescued his 11-year-old daughter who was swept out to sea at Lennox Head in Australia, last Wednesday.
In an update, the family said the 45-year-old had “so many plans” and was looking forward to the future before the tragedy occurred.
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He valued his family above all else, and they said: “We want those kids to have the life that Paul dreamed for them and worked hard for”.
People from across the globe have been donating money to a GoFundMe page that was set up to help his wife, Simonne, cope with planning a funeral in Australia and Ireland.
In the update, they wrote: “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”
The pair were a two-income family working to pay rent, bills and school feels, and they emphasised that the public's “care and kindness is safeguarding the future Paul wanted for his family”.
They went on to say: “Your support is helping with a funeral service in Australia and at home in Ireland, and 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 and 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.”
If you would like to make a donation to this GoFundMe page, you can do so by clicking here.
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