A British dad has died on an anniversary holiday after falling ill on the day he was due to fly home.
Paulo Brockway, 44, had been enjoying a romantic break in Cyprus with his fiancée, Kerry Debono, when tragedy struck.
The couple had spent the trip making memories together and were preparing to return to the UK when Paulo suddenly became unwell.
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His family said he suffered a heart attack and later died from complications, as reported by Need To Know.
Paulo passed away the following day, on 17 September.
His body is now expected to be repatriated from Cyprus to Cardiff so his loved ones can arrange his funeral.
Paulo leaves behind a son who is said to be devastated by the loss of his father.
His death has also left his mother, sisters, brother and wider circle of loved ones heartbroken.
Paulo had developed a passion for mountain climbing during the final three years of his life.
He completed climbs for charity and used the challenges to raise money for other people.
According to Kerry, each mountain gave him something new to work towards – with Paulo always searching for an even bigger peak to conquer.
She said: “My fiancé and I went on holiday to celebrate our anniversary.
“Sadly, my fiancé Paulo Brockway fell ill the day we were due to fly home.
“He passed away the following day. He was just 44 years old.
“I am devastated and will miss him terribly.”
Speaking about his love of climbing, Kerry added: “Over the last three years, Paulo had taken up mountain climbing, something he grew to absolutely love.
“He climbed mountains for charity, raising money to help others, and the challenge of each climb gave him something to look forward to – always wanting to reach the next, bigger mountain.
“It was something he was incredibly passionate about and brought him so much happiness.”
In a separate family tribute, Emma Mills said Paulo and Kerry had been enjoying “the most amazing holiday” before their world was suddenly turned upside down.
She wrote: “Our whole family is absolutely heartbroken and in complete shock.
“They were enjoying their time together, making memories and having the holiday they deserved.
“They were due to come home to the UK, but tragically, on the very day they were supposed to fly home, Paulo suffered a heart attack and sadly, due to complications, he lost his life.
“One minute they were enjoying their holiday together, and the next Kerry’s whole world was turned upside down.
Cardiff-based podcast The Central Club also paid tribute to Paulo and wrote: “Rest in peace Paul.”
Kerry has since launched a fundraiser to help pay for Paulo’s funeral after revealing that he did not have life insurance.
The send-off is expected to cost approximately £7,000, while his body is due to be returned to Cardiff within seven to 10 days.
More than £1,300 has so far been donated towards the appeal’s initial £3,000 target.
Kerry said: “Any donation, no matter how small, would mean so much to us and would help us give Paulo the farewell he deserves.
“I will love and miss you forever, Paulo.
“Forever your broken-hearted fiancée, Kerry.”
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