Iron Maiden pay remaining costs for Paul Di'Anno's knee surgery

Iron Maiden are paying the remaining costs for their former frontman Paul Di’Anno’s knee surgery in Croatia.

64-year-old Paul Di’Anno underwent his first vital knee operation in Croatia last November after his beloved fans raised money for the operation via a crowdfunder set up by Kastro Pergjoni from the Cart & Horses pub in London.

Di’Anno almost died from sepsis in 2015, and he spent eight months in an English hospital where he also caught MRSA twice. He was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the health setbacks.

Following the first successful crowdfunding campaign, Kastro Pergjoni set up a second fundraiser to pay for Di’Anno’s remaining treatment in Croatia.

Fans have already raised £11,096 for Di’Anno’s operation, and Pergjoni took to the Cart & Horses Facebook page today (20th June) to confirm that Iron Maiden have agreed to “cover the remaining cost of Paul Di'Annio's operation.”

The donation from the Iron Maiden camp comes less than a month after Paul Di’Anno met with Steve Harris backstage at Arena Zagreb on 23rd May on the opening date of Iron Maiden’s 2022 tour. It was the first time they had spoke face-to-face in three decades.

“I am very excited to announce that the Iron Maiden team have kindly agreed to cover the remaining cost of Paul Di'Annio's operation,” wrote Kastro Pergjoni today.

“Not only are Iron Maiden the best band on this planet, they are kind-hearted and supported by an amazing team. As a result of this fantastic news, I will be closing the fundraising on the 21st June 2022.”

He continued: “I would like to express my huge thanks to everyone that has donated, you all made a difference and made this happen for Paul.

“There are so many individuals and bands who have worked with me behind the scenes on this tremendous journey. I'm so grateful and thankful to you all, I'd love to name every single one of you but it would be a never-ending list as there are SO many of you, you guys are incredible!

“I would not have made it this far without our designer Robert Stivicic, from the start to the end of this fundraiser, we have achieved some stunning merchandise - I'm sorry for being too picky sometimes (ok, all the time) but we got there in the end!

“WARHORSE bundles signed by Paul are still available, if you like to still help please order them before they all go.

“Also without Stjepan and Violeta Juras this would not have been possible, as they took so much of their time to help, organise and support Paul in Croatia, especially with his daily needs.

“I'd like to thank Paul for placing so much trust in me even though we've had our differences (sorry Paul, all my decisions were based in the best interest for your health).

“The one thing I have learned from this experience is that the Maiden Family is truly special and I pride myself in being a part of this.

“I can't thank you all enough.🙏

“Let's all wish Paul all the best on his upcoming operations.

“Paul - see you in Croatia!

“Kind regards,

“Kastro

Cart & Horses”

The Cart & Horses pub in London is billed as The Birthplace of Iron Maiden as it hosted many of the band’s embryonic concerts from the late 70s.

Visit The Cart & Horses Facebook page RIGHT HERE for information on upcoming live shows at the venue.

Iron Maiden triumph at Download Festival 2022:

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