Pauls Bucket List Fund #sendingtheidiotabroad

Our friend Paul has a brain tumour.

There’s no easy way to say it — and if you know Paul, you’ll know he wouldn’t want it sugar-coated anyway. He’s been hit with the kind of news that stops you in your tracks- life-shortening, and life-changing.

This is his third tumour. His second tumour flatlined him twice.

This one is brand new, and without surgery, the side effects we’re talking:

Strokes

Fits

Epilepsy

Complete loss of movement down his right side

And the most terrifying of all… short-term memory loss (although, he’s never had a good memory anyway — he still can’t find his bloody keys).

But if you’ve ever met Paul, you’ll also know this: he’s not the type to sit around and feel sorry for himself.

He doesn't want you feeling sorry for him either. He’s still standing. Still taking the piss. Still somehow immortal.

Paul’s wish?

To travel the world, see his family in Australia, and live out his time living, ticking off that bucket list — not working yet another 12-hour shift.

In true Paul fashion, he was planning to work flat-out for the next few months to try and fund this trip himself.

Absolutely not. You’re not working another 12-hour shift - we’ve got you.

Time is limited - but what WE do with it can be powerful. Let’s give Paul the chance to make memories.

Paul wasn’t just a boss — he was a second dad to hundreds of us.

For so many young people stepping into their first hospitality job, Paul was the loud, brutally honest, unexpectedly wise figure who somehow kept the madness under control. He made us laugh until our stomachs hurt, made us cry when he pushed us past our limits, and made us seriously question if this is what all bosses were meant to be like? (they’re not!).

He was part mentor, part chaos, and all heart — someone who left a mark on every shift, every venue, and every person who crossed his path.

He wouldn't and has never asked for help.

So we’re doing it for him.

Because Paul has been that person for so many of us.

If he’s ever made you laugh, cry, or feel seen - this is your moment to give something back.

Even a few pounds will help us hit that goal faster than you can say “Hatton’s a Kno8.”

So if you’ve ever:

· Been roasted to within an inch of your life

· Worked under his somewhat questionable leadership

· Spent half your shift trying to find his keys (or anything else he’s lost)

· Worked with him at Ivory Rooms/ REIDS, TGI Fridays or French Martinis — and he got on your very last nerve

· Been called “darlin/babe’” one too many times

· Fluttered your lashes at him — ladies, you know who you are, I’m looking at YOU

· Ended up in a wrestling match with him and had to tap out

· Or just had the honour of being in the orbit of Paul’s chaos and kindness

Then now’s the time to give a little something back.

You might not know him personally — but if you’ve ever known someone like him, you’ll understand why this matters.

We’re not asking for a lot from any one person — just whatever you can, from as many people as possible.

Whether that’s £5, £50, or just sharing this post, you’re helping give Paul the time, peace, and freedom he’s spent his life giving to everyone else.

Let’s give him the freedom to live — not work.

Let’s help him go out with stories and the opportunity to tick off that bucket list.

Let’s make sure this chapter is filled with adventure, not yet another gruelling shift.

Whether you knew Paul personally, worked beside him, got drunk with him, got menaced by him, or just feel moved by his story - act now.

Donate if you can. Share if you can’t. Do both if you’re feeling extra generous.

Paul, we love you, you stubborn, menacing legend. Let’s get you on a plane!

And let’s be honest... a follow-up series titled “The Idiot Abroad” could be the most entertaining content of the year. Just saying.

Thank you all so much!

Team Send-Paul-Away-Before-He-Insults-Us-Again ✈️ #sendingtheidiotabroad