Paul Gaynor, a 61-year-old NHS manager from Northfield, Birmingham, collapsed at Murcia airport in April 2026 while finalising his dream retirement to Spain. He suffered a catastrophic brain aneurysm that has left him with life-changing disabilities.
Dream Retirement Turns to Tragedy
Paul and his wife Penny, who have over 80 years of combined NHS service, had flown to Los Alcázares, a coastal town in south-eastern Spain, to complete preparations for their retirement. They planned to stay for a week to sort out residency and finish work on their property. But shortly after landing, Paul collapsed while queuing for a hire car.
He was rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care, where doctors twice told his family he was unlikely to survive. Despite the odds, Paul survived three major brain surgeries but has been left with paralysis on his right side, requiring help with feeding and round-the-clock care.
Family's Desperate Plea for Help
Paul's daughter-in-law, Alexandra Smith, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise £15,000 for a specialist air ambulance to bring him back to the UK. So far, over £9,000 has been raised, but time is critical. The Spanish rehabilitation unit is looking to discharge him within two to three weeks, and the best window for rehabilitation is the first six months, half of which has already passed.
Alexandra said: "Paul is now in a rehabilitation hospital in Spain, but the brain injury caused by the bleeding has left him with life-changing disabilities. His medical team have explained that he is unlikely to regain his ability to walk or speak properly and will require around-the-clock care and support for the foreseeable future."
A Life of Service
Paul worked as a manager at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, serving at Dan Mooney House in Solihull and Reaside in Rubery. Penny, his wife of 37 years, has worked for the NHS for 45 years. The couple had been saving for over a decade to buy their retirement home in Spain, which they purchased in January.
Alexandra described Paul as "really kind, very strong, fair, calm, patient and caring." She added: "Penny and Paul gave their life to help and they need our help now."
Urgent Need for Transfer
The family wants Paul transferred to the UK so he can receive care in English and be surrounded by loved ones. Alexandra explained: "The rehab there speaks Spanish, and he would be better with English-speaking physios. We want him home with us to give him the best chance of rehab."
Penny has been at Paul's side throughout, but the family is concerned she cannot manage his care alone. If Paul cannot be flown home, a land ambulance across Europe would take two to three days and pose additional risks.
Community Support
Paul's sons Matthew and Ciaran, along with other family members, have travelled to Spain to assist. The GoFundMe page continues to collect donations, but the family is racing against time to reach the £15,000 target for the air ambulance, which costs between £25,000 and £30,000.
Alexandra said: "Penny is devastated and heartbroken. Her husband isn't going to be the same again and that's her life gone now too. We need to give him the best chance we can."
