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Date Published: 03/07/2026

Fundraiser launched to bring Briton home after tragedy struck days into new life in Spain

HELP Murcia Mar Menor has donated €500 to an appeal to bring a retired NHS nurse back to the UK after a devastating brain aneurysm

A local charity is urging people to support a fundraising appeal for a British retiree whose life changed forever just hours after arriving in Spain to begin his retirement.

HELP Murcia Mar Menor has donated €500 to a GoFundMe campaign launched for Paul Gaynor, who suffered a catastrophic brain aneurysm shortly after landing in Spain with his wife Penny on April 13.

The couple had spent a combined 75 years working as mental health nurses for the NHS and had been looking forward to starting their retirement together. Instead, Paul was rushed to hospital and has since undergone three major brain operations.

Despite twice being told he was unlikely to survive, he has continued to fight. However, the brain injury has left him with severe disabilities and his family say he is expected to need round-the-clock care for the foreseeable future.

Paul is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Spain, but doctors have advised that he should return to England, where he can be surrounded by family and receive ongoing support. Because of his condition, he cannot travel on a commercial flight and will require specialist medical transport, creating costs far beyond the family's means.

The fundraiser will help cover the cost of bringing him home, as well as medical equipment, adaptations to make a family home accessible and ongoing care needs.

In an update posted a couple of days ago, relatives said more than £7,500 had already been raised, but a substantial amount is still needed.

HELP Murcia Mar Menor, a volunteer-run charity that supports people facing emergencies and difficult circumstances across the region, said it hopes its donation and publicity for the appeal will encourage others to contribute.

Anyone wishing to help can donate through the GoFundMe campaign "Help Bring Our Dad Home After a Devastating Brain Aneurysm".

Every contribution, no matter how small, will help bring Paul one step closer to returning home to his family.

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Calle Penelope 11, Urbanizacion Oasis, Los Narejos, Los Alcazares

Tel: 968 570 059. (Answer phone outside office hours)
Mobile: 654 632 077. Only to be used in emergencies. Donations call Doreen: 637 920 882

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HELP MMM help people of all ages, with all sorts of problems

Help Murcia Mar Menor

The HELP Association of Murcia Mar Menor, was founded in 2002, and is a registered voluntary charitable organisation which provides a 'Helping Hands' service within the Region of Murcia.

HELP MMM can provide information on LIVING IN SPAIN and can recommend drivers and interpreters when required.

HELP MMM welcomes new members. They also have Coffee & Company group which meets on the second Tuesday of the month for those wishing to meet others in the local area. This is open to anyone, and it is not necessary to be a member of HELP MMM.

HELP MMM lends mobility equipment and, in particular, wheelchairs and walking aids, and some toilet/bath equipment. This can be particularly useful after operations and hospital procedures.

HELP MMM carries out many fundraising activities to continually fund their excellent support service which helps residents and non-residents with problems related to living in Spain.

HELP MMM deals with all kinds of problems, particularly at times of crisis and emergencies, such as in the case of accidents, thefts, break-ins, sudden deaths and when the police or medical services are involved. They respond to emergency situations and maintain a close liaison with the British Consul and other local organisations.

The entire organisation is run by volunteers and new participants are always welcome to come along and participate in the many activities they undertake. There are always volunteers manning the office during open hours, so pop in for a chat.

Directions to the office: From the AP7 motorway, take exit 786 signposted Los Alcázares norte. At the roundabout opposite are decorative arches, proceed through the arch passing the A'Estribor restaurant. Take the first turning on the right into Calle Penélope. Second right (alongside the Tourist Information Office). Right again onto the service road.

Office opening hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 12.30pm

Help Murcia Mar Menor Outlet: The Outlet is located at Avenida de la Unión 57, San Javier and is open Monday to Friday from 10am until 1.30pm.

If you have any items which you would like to donate, please call Doreen. Collections can be arranged.