Paul Danan’s pals set up GoFundMe to raise cash for his nine-year-old son DeNiro as celebs donate for Hollyoaks star
FRIENDS of Hollyoaks and Celebrity Love Island legend Paul Danan have set up a GoFundMe to support his nine-year-old son, DeNiro, following the star’s tragic passing.
The crowdfunding page, launched in Paul’s memory, aims to help ease the young boy’s journey in the wake of his dad’s death.
Today The Sun revealed his friend Dapper Laughs’ incredible tribute to the TV star and the voice notes that they shared before he died.
Other friends have rallied together for Paul’s son hoping to raise £10,000 for the lads’ future.
Friends who managed the spoof comedy account @Paul_Danan_Official with Paul shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram and a fundraising page today.
A message revealed Paul’s Hollyoaks co-stars have also backed the fundraiser.
The post said: “There was NO ONE like Pauly. His excitement and vitality for life were magnetic.
It comes as…
- Harrowing voice notes reveal Paul’s addiction torment and incredible recovery before he died
- He was found unresponsive in his luxury apartment
- He had been due to appear in court to face drug charges the day after he was found dead
- Paul’s haunting final Instagram post revealed his hopes to return to acting
- He spoke about his tragic battle to beat his vaping addiction and drug demons before his death
- Katie Price has been leading stars paying tribute to the Hollyoaks actor and reality TV star
- Paul struggled to find love and turned to Love Island to help find the one
- The actor took on a surprising new career before his death
“He was warm, kind, funny—actually hilarious—vulnerable, self-deprecating and captivating. Being his friend was a visceral experience, and I defy anyone to close their eyes and picture Pauly with anything but that huge, cheeky, dimpled smile.
“NEVER one to conform or do anything in an expected or generic way, Paul really was the most ‘Extra’ and unique person you could ever meet.”
They went on: “Many people have enquired about where to send flowers, or ways to pay their respects.
“Paul’s ex cast mates and old friends from Hollyoaks have put together a Fundraising page to help the family with the unexpected financial burden associated with this very difficult time.
“And with a view to help Paul’s young son in his onward journey through life without his Dad.”
The message acknowledged Paul’s struggles, adding: “It’s no secret that he struggled and lost his way at times, but in his true essence, the REAL Pauly, would do anything for anyone no matter what.
“Whether you knew him from school, Hollyoaks, Love Island, CBB, his rehab journey, or you were just lucky enough to cross paths, he’s sure to have left a gaping Pauly-shaped hole in your heart right now.
“But he has also left behind a 9-year-old son DeNiro, and a devastated family.”
Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian donated £10 and another donation on the page appears to be from actress Sadie Frost for £30.
An accompanying message said: “Oh Pauly. I am so sad. I loved you very much and so did Raff who always valued your friendship -big kisses forever and rest in peace my love.”
Behind the headlines, Paul was a sweet, vulnerable, big-hearted guy
BY Oliver Grady, Assistant Showbiz Editor
Paul Danan may have grabbed his share of column inches over his all too short 46 years, from his colourful love life to his well-documented struggles with addiction, but behind the headlines, there was a very sweet, vulnerable, big-hearted guy.
I’ve met and spoken with Paul many times over the years and have always had a soft spot for him. He was funny, articulate, smart and great company.
Yes, he had his demons, but he was very open about them and was always striving to be a better version of himself.
He was extremely proud of his theatre company, The Morning After, which he set up to help fellow addicts work through their trauma through drama and acting.
While he seemed lost at times, and on several occasions opened up to me about his struggle to be taken seriously in the industry after his private life exploits overshadowed his professional accomplishments, he clearly found a purpose in supporting others and helping them stay on the path of recovery.
There was only one thing Paul was prouder of than his recovery and his theatre company, and that was his son DeNiro.
Paul lit up when he spoke about his boy, and looked forward to spending the weekends with him as he co-parented with the lad’s mum.
His whatsapp photo was him beaming with DeNiro, and he loved to talk about his offspring’s accomplishments and his hopes for his future.
It breaks my heart that DeNiro now has to go through the rest of his life without his dad, and Paul will never see him grow up.
I last heard from Paul at Christmas, when he left me a voicenote saying he had some exciting things planned for 2025.
I told him we’d catch up in the New Year, but sadly we never got the chance to.
I’ll miss you Paul. You were one of life’s good ones.
Donations can be made on the official JustGiving page.
Paul never revealed the identity of DeNiro’s mum, but we do know his mother is an ex-girlfriend of the former Hollyoaks star.
Despite their relationship not working out, they continued to co-parent their child.
DOTING DAD
Paul previously opened up about how tough he found being apart from DeNiro during lockdown in 2020.
Speaking at the time, he said on his podcast: “I’ve got a tough situation going on.
“I’m not with my son because he is with his mum in Hertfordshire and I’m with my parents in Essex,” he said speaking on his podcast The Morning After.
“If I go and see my son I can’t come back to my parents, because my dad has not been that well over the years. And my mum is really strict about it.
“I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how I’m going to get to see him.”
The late star continued: “He’s only four and we’ve got such a good bond.
“He’s like a little mini-me, and his mum is trying to explain that there’s this big bug going around, the big bad bug, but I don’t think he understands.”
“But he kind of does, it’s so hard to explain this stuff to kids. I’m trying but it’s one thing he doesn’t really like, because he sees me and he wants to touch me.”
Paul‘s boy was born in September 2015, and the actor’s eyes would light up when he talked about his only child.
Following the news of his death, a friend of the late star told The Sun: “Paul adored his son DeNiro.
“There were a lot of things Paul wasn’t proud of in his life, but DeNiro was his proudest achievement.
“He loved being a dad, he was like a big kid himself at times, so he was a natural at being playful and fun with his boy.”
LATEST UPDATE
The Hollyoaks star was found dead at a property near Bristol on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called to an address in Brislington, Bristol, at about 5.20pm on Wednesday, “where sadly a man in his 40s was declared deceased by paramedics”.
His death “is not being treated as suspicious and officers are preparing a file for the coroner”.
Reports circulated this morning claiming the actor died after he “slipped and fell” at his luxury apartment.
Neighbours alleged paramedics had been called out but were unable to save him despite their best efforts.
But, Paul’s PR team spoke out today and said they are still waiting for confirmation of a cause of death.
“We understand that there has been unjustified speculation surrounding the cause of Paul Danan’s passing,” Independent Creative Pr said in a statement.
“We would be grateful for everyone’s respect and patience while we are awaiting the professional findings of the authorities.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their words of kindness and support received during this difficult time. It is comforting to know that Paul was loved and respected by so many.
“Friends and cast members from Hollyoaks have created a Just Giving page to help raise money for Paul’s son DeNiro.
“To donate, please visit the link in our bio and story.”