David Bowie helped Marc Bolan's son 'survive'

Rolan Bolan - the son of late T-Rex star Marc Bolan - says his godfather, David Bowie, helped him ''survive'' by paying for his education.

David Bowie helped Marc Bolan's son survive" after the rocker's death.

Rolan Bolan was just two years old when his T-Red frontman father was killed in a car accident, and with legal problems surrounding the late star's estate, Rolan and his mother Gloria Jones would have been left penniless if his famous godfather hadn't stepped in to pay for the youngster's education and other expenses as he grew up.

Rolan, now 35, recalled: "This allowed me to go to a good private school and meet children of other celebrities. The people who knew I didn't have money of my own said, 'Keep your character. Stay who you are.'

"David's generosity helped my mother and me to survive. It wasn't just the financial help, but the time and kindness.

"He never came to see us in California because he lives in New York and hates to travel. But he kept in regular touch by phone and his first and last words every time were, 'Don't hesitate to tell me if there is anything I can do.'

Rolan - who has never met David - insists the 'Starman' hitmaker never expected any gratitude for his actions, but he is hoping to visit him soon to finally say thanks in person.

He added in an interview with the Daily Mail newspaper: "He'd shrug off our thanks, saying it was the least he could do for the family of a good friend.

"I'm hoping to visit him soon in New York to tell him how very, very indebted me and my mother are."