Battersea Dogs & Cats Home's tribute fund in memory of Paul O'Grady has surpassed £100,000 in donations since the beloved TV host's death.
Much to the devastation of the nation, the TV host and comedian passed away at the age of 67 on Tuesday, 28 March 2023.
As well as being a beloved household name for his roles in television, O'Grady was also a proud dog owner to three rescues and an ambassador for UK animal shelter Battersea Dogs and Cats Home - often filming at the shelter for his series Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs.
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In memory of O'Grady, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home set up a tribute fund page to raise money for the animals, hundreds of whom O'Grady met and spent time with during the filming of his ITV series.
The tribute fund page reads: "Battersea joins the nation in mourning the loss of Paul O’Grady - an entertainment legend and much-loved Ambassador to our charity. We’d like to extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s family and friends.
"To millions Paul O’Grady is the popular TV and radio presenter and comedian who lit up their screens with his razor-sharp humour and perpetual generosity and warmth. Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell in love with every dog he met at our centres.
"Paul will always be associated with Battersea, and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity."
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At the time of writing, the tribute fund page has raised a total of £112,774.53 in donations, with many contributors leaving a comment to pay their respects to the broadcaster.
One wrote: "RIP Paul. Such a genuine caring man and a great ambassador for a great charity. You will be sorely missed."
"You will be sadly missed thank you for being you and there for all creatures great and small amazing human being," another added.
While a third commented: "You were the dogs best friend and will be missed so much You were the best God bless you."
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And a final added: "Paul you will be sadly missed. Thank you for brightening our lives and giving hope to the rescue dogs at Battersea."
Chief Executive of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Peter Laurie, said: "Paul had an extremely hands on approach as a Battersea Ambassador and has been fundamental in helping our charity to communicate important campaign messages.
"He was a champion for the underdog and would do anything to ensure all animals live a healthy and happy life. He will be dearly missed.”
He added: "Paul loved Battersea so much and we cannot thank him enough for everything he did for our charity and for rescue animals worldwide. We will forever be indebted to him for his endless generosity and support.”
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If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: Animals, Cats, Celebrity, Dogs, Money, UK News, Paul O'Grady
Poppy Bilderbeck