The dad-of-two had taken his children away to Majorca for a week-long family break last October. But within days of returning home, Paul received the news every parent dreads.
After his seven-year-old daughter, Lottie, suddenly fell ill, she was taken to hospital, where doctors discovered she had a brain tumour. Following further tests, Lottie was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma - a rare form of cancer that affects bones and the tissue around them.
"There were no symptoms," said Paul, from Middleton. "We'd just been in Majorca messing about in a hot tub then a couple of days later somebody is telling you she has cancer. It was literally out of the blue."
Paul, Lottie and her older brother Jake flew back to Manchester on October 31 last year. Two days later, Paul was at work when he received a concerned WhatsApp message from Lottie's mother, Claire.
It contained a video which appeared to show Lottie in pain, and struggling to put weight on her left foot. Paul said he initially thought she may have suffered a trapped nerve.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ten Hag future remains in doubt as state-of-play meet comes to end
INEOS GATHERING IN LONDON CONCLUDES WITHOUT ANY STATEMENT
'The tribunal found that it was wrong. This is a big deal in competition law'
THE Premier League came unstuck against City in their opening submission of the hearing into Associated Party Transaction Rules.
Godfather of AI wins Nobel Prize for Physics
A BRITISH-CANADIAN computer scientist who has been dubbed the \"godfather of artificial intelligence\" has won this year's Nobel Prize for Physics.
Chancellor urged to quash ‘damaging' pension rumours
FTSE 250 savings and investment platform AJ Bell has joined the growing chorus urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to back down from a proposed tax hit on UK pensioners, warning that rumours of the government's tax intentions are \"hugely damaging\" and are causing widespread concern long-term savings.
Red paint attack on office block
A PRO-PALESTINE group says it targeted an office block in Manchester city centre housing insurance firm Allianz.
Star 'in pain every day' in his fight with arthritis
ADAM Thomas has told fans how he's 'in pain every day' as he gave a candid update from his latest trip to the hospital.
I was in tears when the police returned my XL Bully
OWNER SAYS DOG WAS LEFT IN 'BAD STATE' AFTER BEING SEIZED
Student cop was 'bullied' claims dad
INQUEST TOLD TRAINEE HAD NIGHTMARES ABOUT BOSS 'TRYING TO STRANGLE HIM'
From Pretty Green to pretty vacant
PRETTY Green, the fashion brand founded by Liam Gallagher, has announced its flagship Manchester store has closed with immediate effect.
Dozens of 'late-stage' terror plots foiled since Arena bomb
THE security services have foiled 43 'late-stage' terror plots since March 2017 as new threats emerge from hostile nations such as Russia and China and a 'resurgent' Islamic State.