Tributes have flooded in for Paul O'Grady after the legendary TV star died aged 67.
The Birkenhead TV star was praised by his close friend and campaigner, Peter Tatchell, as being a champion of the underdog. He told BBC Radio 4: "He wasn’t one of these people where celebrity went to his head. He was still very down to earth. Whenever someone was in need, Paul O’Grady stepped in to offer help. He was such a kind, generous humanitarian.”
People have been coming forward to share the selfless acts Paul did to help them when they were vulnerable that sum up the Lily Savage star's kind spirit. On today's Good Morning Britain, Martin Lewis shared a comment from a viewer named Mohammed who was homeless when Paul reached out to offer support.
READ MORE: Paul O'Grady: Leave your tribute to the beloved comedian in the ECHO's online condolence book
He said: "He walked up to me in the middle of the high street and sat down next to me. He introduced himself and said 'Come, let's go and get a meal inside that tummy of yours. He spent three hours together with me and then put me in a hotel for the night. May his soul rest in peace."
Paul was renowned for his charity work and often gave time to support vulnerable people. A BBC One series in 2016 named Sally Army and Me showed Paul spend time in a homeless centre in Liverpool.
Paul met a recovering drug addict named Joanne in the show and heard how she hit rock bottom. She told him: "Crack’s been the one that’s brought me to my knees. The things you do to get it, it’s degrading, it’s awful. I lost all my family because they’d all just had enough, but I still couldn’t stop. I would have done anything for my children but I just could not stop taking drugs and that’s the power that drug has over you. I desperately want to get off it”
Paul's humanitarian spirit was on full display as he offered words of support as he said: "All she wants is to have her own flat and to put her own kettle on. That’s not a lot to ask you know.
“We’re not asking for mansions and a millionaire’s life style. She wants the simple things in life that she’s missed out on. And she’s extremely brave, extremely brave, the way she speaks openly about it. It takes guts to you know, to come out and admit you’ve messed up badly.” He added: “I seriously wish her all the luck in the world.”
Paul was praised by the support worker, Ronni, who said: "Paul was wonderful with our service users and just chatted to them as equals. He took time to listen to their stories and approached them with genuine sincerity. His humour was a great help as it put everyone at ease.
“His kindness shone through and he was so generous with his time. His interest in our service was a real boost and our service users were keen to show the reality of homelessness and addiction.”
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
Paul O'Grady has died at the age of 67
Paul O'Grady dies aged 67: updates as tributes flood in for Lily Savage star
Paul O'Grady was 'surrounded by dogs' and 'full of life' day before his death
Amanda Holden heartbroken as she shares emotional tribute to Paul O'Grady
