'Hugely loved' dad from Bristol dies after fall from balcony in Bulgaria

A Bristol builder who fell from the second floor of his holiday home in Bulgaria has died in a Bulgarian hospital.

Paul Bond, 61, suffered severe head injuries from the fall and was in a coma.

His family desperately wanted to fly him home and launched a fundraiser to raise the money needed to get him back to Bristol.

In an update, his daughter Abi Bond said: “Dad passed away on Sunday afternoon. We just want to thank everyone for your kind words, prayers, support and donations, we will be forever grateful. We will be getting Dad home as soon as possible.”

Family friend Rebekah Richardson posted on the fundraising page: “The family would like to thank all those who have supported them during this difficult time.

"This has been greatly appreciated, the money raised will now be used to bring Paul home as soon as possible. We appreciate your respect at this time.”Mr Bond, who was described as “a hugely loved father, grandfather, son, brother and friend” had been busy renovating his holiday home when it appears he fell from the second floor balcony.

He was found by a friend on the morning of Sunday 9 July, although it was not clear when exactly he had fallen.

He was taken to hospital in a coma due to brain injuries, where he underwent surgery. His daughters Sophie and Abi rushed to Bulgaria to be at his bedside where he had been placed on life support.His condition was described as stable, although he remained on life support and his head injuries were believed to be irreversible, according to the fundraising appeal.

The fundraising effort raised nearly £7,000 which will be used to bring him back to Bristol.Having grown up in Bristol and from Mangotsfield, Mr Bond was well known as a builder in and around the city. He leaves behind his daughters and grandchildren who were “everything to him”.