Paul was born in Clacton on Sea, Essex to parents Jill and Ken. As the only boy in the family, baby Paul was adored by his three older sisters, Karin, Tracey and Nicola. The family have very fond memories of Paul's childhood. He was a bright, happy boy and loved playing with other children, especially twins Jacqueline and Jeremy, who lived next door. Along with his mum and sisters, Paul was a fan of Ipswich Town Football Club and had great times supporting them, with fun weekends away. Holidays abroad included two school skiing holidays to Italy and Switzerland, and with family and friends to Gran Canaria and Zante, Greece. He also enjoyed a fun trip with his dad to Phantasialand in Germany. Paul attended Burrsville County Infant and Junior schools, where he did very well, particularly in English Language. His essays and poems always gained high marks. He moved on to Clacton County High School, leaving school at 16 years old in 1988. Paul enrolled on a catering course at Colchester Institute of Higher Education but left after a few months, on realising that he did not wish to make a career of this.