Paul OGrady fans donate £90k to Battersea Dogs Home in memory of Lily Savage star

2023-04-12

Fans of Paul O’Grady have flooded Battersea Dogs and Cats Home with donations in honour of the late TV presenter, who sadly passed away on 28 March.

Paul had been an ambassador for Battersea since 2012 and the charity featured in his hit TV show, Paul O'Grady: For The Love of Dogs.

The organisation has now received £90,000 worth of donations from fans of Paul, who have set up a 'tribute fund' in memory of him, as well as countless letters, calls, emails and messages of support in the wake of his passing.

The fund looks set to hit £100,000 by the weekend and all money donated will go directly towards the running of charity.

Paul Laurie, chief executive of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, has revealed the organisation will be setting up something to to remember Paul and his charity work by.

He told the Mirror: “We will be looking to find a suitably fitting way to remember the profound impact Paul had at Battersea and the rescue animal sector – something that will support the animals Paul loved so much, and that would make him proud.”

The charity has been “overwhelmed and touched” by the outpouring of support from fans, and also thanks Paul for raising the profile of the charity across the globe.

Donations have flooded in from all over the world as Paul's much-loved TV show is broadcast in several different countries.

Paul's love of animals was well-known, and he also regularly spoke about how much he loved his TV show and Battersea, branding it a "magical place".

He said in 2012: “Hand on heart. This has been one of the nicest jobs I’ve ever had. Battersea is a magical place. People think it’s all doom and gloom but it’s not, it’s such a happy place.

"I’ve had a ball. It’s such an enriching place to work. I’m coming back. They can’t get rid of me. Once I became really involved, I’d go home and worry about the dogs. I’d be ringing friends saying, ‘I’ve found a lovely dog for you’.

"The aim of the game for me became to re-home these dogs. I’d like to see this place empty. All go off to nice homes. Hopefully, after watching the programmes, that what’s going to happen.”

Paul adopted several dogs from Battersea including chihuahua Jack Russell cross Eddie, shih-tzu Boycie, Maltese Conchita, mixed-breeds Arfur and Nancy, and Sausage, a dachshund.

Paul's husband Andre Portasio announced the star's death in a heartbreaking statement earlier this week, revealing he'd died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on 28 March.

Andre, who married Paul in 2017, said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.

“We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.

“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”

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