‘It’s so difficult and so sad’: Fundraiser launched for family of ‘amazing’ young York father
Friends of an “amazing” young York father have launched a fundraiser to help his devastated family.
Paul Bradley died earlier this month after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2023, leaving his wife Emma, son and two stepdaughters. He was 35.
MND is an incurable nervous disease which leads to muscles weakening and eventually stopping working.
Paul suffered from ill health as a child. He had a kidney and liver transplant when aged seven, and then had two more kidney transplants, the last one in 2021.
After he recovered from that last operation, he proposed to Emma in Edinburgh in February. But soon after, he began to suffer the first symptoms of MND.
Muc-loved: Paul
He was 33 when he was diagnosed. He died on 5 March and his funeral is at St Paul’s Church in Holgate Road on Friday.
Paul’s loss left his family heartbroken. A popular and respected teacher at Joseph Rowntree School, he had many friends.
Jack Pullen knew Paul from when they became best mates at primary school, and has launched a fundraiser to help his family.
“Paul was just a great person. He was very funny, very caring,” Jack told YorkMix. “He was a teacher and just loved his job. He was so passionate about anything he did. But he had quite a rough life in terms of health.”
On his GoFundMe, Jack writes: “Paul was the kind of person who brought warmth and kindness wherever he went.
“A devoted husband, a loving son and brother, a loyal friend and above all an amazing father. His world revolved around his family. Those who knew him well will remember his generosity, his humour, and the way he always made time for others.”
Paul and Emma
Because of Paul’s ill health he wasn’t able to get life insurance. The illness meant he had to give up work, and Emma became his full-time carer.
Jack told Laura Castle on the YorkMix Radio Breakfast Club: “Emma hasn’t got a job. They’ve got a wheelchair accessible vehicle, which was fantastic
“But that was on loan and will now go to help someone else in need, which leaves Emma without a vehicle.
“She’s got three children. It’s an awful situation for anybody, losing anyone close to you, but especially like a spouse. And the circumstances – it’s so difficult, and it’s just so sad. And I just really want to help Emma.”
Best mates: Paul and Jack
The fundraiser will help alleviate some of the pressing practical problems facing the family. So far it’s raised £14.5K of a £20K target.
As well as asking people to donate, he wants people to share the fundraiser as much as they can.
“We got a message from Kevin Sinfield, which is obviously massive. It’s really appreciative, and people are doing great things,” Jack said.
Kevin is the former England international rugby league star who raised huge amounts for MND charities after his former Leeds teammate Rob Burrow was diagnosed with the disease.
Jack added: “People want to help. The love for Paul and support for Emma’s has been fantastic.
“And I know Emma’s eternally grateful. It’s given her some form of comfort in trying to just manage the situation.”
As he says on the fundraising page: “Let us honour Paul’s memory by surrounding his family with the same kindness and love that he showed to so many people throughout his life.”
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