A tribute fund set up in the memory of the late Paul O’Grady has raised over £135k so far. The TV icon passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (March 28) at the age of 67.
The comedian, fondly known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, became well known throughout his career for his love of dogs.
READ MORE: Distraught daughter of Paul O'Grady has opened up after the loss of the TV icon
O’Grady spent much of his life rescuing and rehoming vulnerable pups and was even an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats home as well as a patron for Wildlife SOS.
The much loved TV personality was renowned for hosting The Paul O'Grady Show, Blind Date and Blankety Blank, as well as ITV's For The Love Of Dogs, which won multiple awards.
Following Paul’s passing, Battersea Dogs and Cats home has set up a tribute fund in memory of their “devoted” ambassador who they are “forever indebted” to.
Writing on their website, it says: “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.
“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,” they said.
So far, over £135,000 has been raised in the star’s name for Battersea and those who have donated have left kind messages on the fund, remembering Paul O’Grady.
Susanne and Ian wrote: “You will be sadly missed and your legacy will live on. Thank you for all the joy you have given us.”
Trevor, who also donated, said: “A shining light to all dogs loved or abandoned.”
Karen wrote: “Thank you Paul for being who you were, your legacy will live on. I hope you are surrounded by all the dogs who left us keeping you company.”
The Papie family wrote: “A great loss but a fantastic ambassador for the underdog - we shall miss him terribly. Thank you Paul, rest in peace x.”
Battersea Chief Executive, Peter Laurie paid tribute to the devoted dog lover and thanked him for his years spent in the animal shelter.
“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.”
Before he died, O'Grady had filmed another season of For the Love of Dogs which will air as expected from April 13 onwards.
A special tribute show, For the Love of Paul O'Grady will be showing on ITV1 on April 9 at 8pm.
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