Paul Danan’s charity mission to raise £5k for those struggling with addiction & mental health issues weeks before death
ACTOR Paul Danan was on a charity mission to raise £5,000 just weeks before he passed away.
The former Hollyoaks star was using popular site GoFundMe to raise funds for a drama group that was dedicated to helping those with addiction problems and mental health issues.
It was confirmed today by his management agency that Paul had died aged 46.
Just last month, the star put out a plea to his followers to help him in his mission to raise cash for the Our Morning After Drama Group which he was a part of.
In a post on his crowdfunding page, Paul described the group as a place to come for those battling with low self-esteem and other personal issues.
Paul said: "We offer a fun, engaging and confidence building environment to support people who are recovering from addiction, low confidence, mental health challenges and social isolation and providing these free sessions is something we are very proud of."
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The star went on to detail how drama and the arts could play a vital role in the recovery process for those dealing with both addiction issues and mental health problems.
Paul continued: "We believe that everyone should be able to access the arts regardless of financial status and our sessions have proved to be a vital part of the recovery journey for so many people."
The star had called out to his fans on social media in December with the hopes of meeting the £5k target.
Paul Danan has died aged just 46 - here's a look back at his life...
- Paul revealed he nearly died from vape addiction just six months ago
- The former Love Islander took on a surprising new career 22 years after leaving Hollyoaks
- Paul’s health struggles are revealed including vape addiction and heroin overdose
- His haunting final Instagram post revealed he was auditioning for new roles
The tragic news of his death was first revealed by Independent Creative PR on Instagram this morning.
A heartfelt message read: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Paul Danan at just 46 years old.
"Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many.
"His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him.
"During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues.
"No further comments will be made at this time."
Behind the headlines, Paul was a sweet, vulnerable, big-hearted guy
BY Oliver Grady, Assistant Showbiz Editor
Paul Danan may have grabbed his share of column inches over his all too short 46 years, from his colourful love life to his well-documented struggles with addiction, but behind the headlines, there was a very sweet, vulnerable, big-hearted guy.
I’ve met and spoken with Paul many times over the years and have always had a soft spot for him. He was funny, articulate, smart and great company.
Yes, he had his demons, but he was very open about them and was always striving to be a better version of himself.
He was extremely proud of his theatre company, The Morning After, which he set up to help fellow addicts work through their trauma through drama and acting.
While he seemed lost at times, and on several occasions opened up to me about his struggle to be taken seriously in the industry after his private life exploits overshadowed his professional accomplishments, he clearly found a purpose in supporting others and helping them stay on the path of recovery.
There was only one thing Paul was prouder of than his recovery and his theatre company, and that was his son DeNiro.
Paul lit up when he spoke about his boy, and looked forward to spending the weekends with him as he co-parented with the lad’s mum.
His whatsapp photo was him beaming with DeNiro, and he loved to talk about his offspring’s accomplishments and his hopes for his future.
It breaks my heart that DeNiro now has to go through the rest of his life without his dad, and Paul will never see him grow up.
I last heard from Paul at Christmas, when he left me a voicenote saying he had some exciting things planned for 2025.
I told him we’d catch up in the New Year, but sadly we never got the chance to.
I’ll miss you Paul. You were one of life’s good ones.
Paul was best known for playing Sol Patrick in Hollyoaks before starring in the original series of Celebrity Love Island in 2005.
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He had a colourful love life dating the likes of Katie Price, Kelly Brook and a Playboy model, and claimed to have bedded more than 1,000 women.
The TV star previously opened up on how he nearly “died”, over his addiction to vapes.