DAD, 44, DIES OF HEART ATTACK IN CYPRUS ON THE DAY HE WAS DUE TO FLY HOME FROM ANNIVERSARY HOLIDAY

A Cardiff father has died suddenly from a heart attack while on an anniversary holiday in Cyprus with his fiancée — just hours before the couple were due to fly home.

Paulo Brockway, 44, had been enjoying the trip with his fiancée, Kerry Debono, when tragedy struck.

The couple were preparing to return home to Cardiff when Paulo suffered a heart attack.

He died the following day, September 17, leaving Kerry and his family facing the devastating task of bringing his body back to Wales.

Kerry said she was left “devastated” by the sudden loss of the man she loved.

“I am devastated and will miss him terribly.”

THEIR HOLIDAY ENDED IN TRAGEDY

The anniversary trip was supposed to be a special time for Paulo and Kerry.

Instead, their holiday ended with an unimaginable loss.

According to the family, the couple had been enjoying the break they felt they deserved before Paulo suddenly became unwell.

Family member Emma Mills said the pair had been having a wonderful holiday before Paulo’s sudden health collapse.

What should have been the journey home became the beginning of a painful process for the family as they began making arrangements to bring Paulo back to Cardiff.

A FATHER, FIANCÉ AND BROTHER

Paulo leaves behind his fiancée, a son, his mother, sisters and brother.

For those closest to him, his death has left a huge absence.

Kerry is now not only grieving the loss of her fiancé but also dealing with the practical and financial difficulties that follow an unexpected death overseas.

Because Paulo died in Cyprus, his family must arrange for his body to be repatriated to Cardiff before his funeral can take place.

Kerry said the process is expected to take around seven to 10 days.

“Paulo’s body will be repatriated from Cyprus back to Cardiff within 7 to 10 days, so we can bring him home and begin making arrangements for his funeral.”

HIS PASSION FOR CLIMBING HELPED OTHERS

Over the last three years, Paulo had discovered a passion for mountain climbing.

For him, climbing was more than simply a hobby.

He used his challenges on the mountains to raise money for charitable causes and help other people.

The activity brought Paulo enormous happiness, while also giving him an opportunity to make a difference.

His family now hopes people will remember that side of him — not simply the circumstances of his sudden death.

TRIBUTES POUR IN

News of Paulo’s death has prompted tributes from people who knew him and from the wider Cardiff community.

The Central Club, a Cardiff-based podcast, has also paid tribute following the news.

For his family, those messages are a reminder of the number of lives Paulo touched during his 44 years.

But the loss is particularly painful for Kerry, who had expected to return home from Cyprus alongside her fiancé.

Instead, she is preparing to say goodbye.

FAMILY FACES £7,000 FUNERAL COSTS

Kerry has launched a fundraising appeal to help cover the costs associated with Paulo’s funeral and bringing him home from Cyprus.

The total funeral expenses are expected to reach approximately £7,000.

Paulo did not have life insurance, leaving the family facing unexpected costs at a time when they are already dealing with the shock of his death.

The fundraiser has so far raised more than £1,300 toward its initial target.

Kerry hopes the support will allow the family to bring Paulo home and give him the funeral he deserves.

Every donation, no matter how small, can help ease some of the financial pressure while the family concentrates on grieving.

‘WE CAN BRING HIM HOME’

For Kerry, the immediate priority is getting Paulo back to Cardiff.

The couple had travelled to Cyprus together expecting to return home after their anniversary celebration.

Instead, Kerry must now make arrangements to bring her fiancé home for the final time.

The family is asking for support as they face the costs of repatriation and the funeral.

Paulo’s sudden death has left those who loved him trying to make sense of a tragedy that happened thousands of miles from home.

He leaves behind a son, his mother, siblings and the woman who expected to spend the journey home beside him.

Instead, Kerry is waiting for Paulo to be brought back to Cardiff.

And as the family prepares to say their final goodbye, they hope the man who found so much happiness climbing mountains for charity will be remembered for the joy he brought to the people around him.

Paulo was 44. He went to Cyprus with the woman he loved. He was supposed to come home with her. Instead, his family is now working to bring him home.