Paul O’Grady tribute fund soars past £200k for Battersea Dogs Home

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has received over £200,000 in donations to the Paul O’Grady Tribute Fund in the wake of his death.

The animal rescue centre has been inundated with kind donations from members of the public following the passing of the star at the age of 67, announced by his husband Andre Portasio, on Tuesday March 28th.

The comedian, fondly known for his drag queen persona Lily Savage, became well known throughout his career for his love for dogs. The animal welfare organisation was long dear to Paul’s heart and it previously featured on his show Paul O’Grady: For The Love of Dogs.

The TV personality adopted several dogs after spending time with them at Battersea. These included a chihuahua Jack Russell cross named Eddie, Dachshund Sausage, a Shih Tzu called Boycie, Maltese Conchita, and crossbreeds Arfur and Nancy.

Donations to the tribute fund set up by the charity in honour of the beloved television personality have reached £210.460.24 at time of writing.

On the tribute fund page, the rescue home said: “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.”

Those who have donated have left kind messages on the fund, remembering Paul O’Grady. Julie and Andy said: “We were so shocked to hear of the death of Paul O’Grady, he brought fun & laughter to thousands of people, you will be sadly missed. RIP Paul.”

Helen Morely said: “In memory of Paul, a great ambassador for the dogs of Battersea.” Joanne, Anne and Minnie said: “Such a good ambassador for Battersea, we’ll all miss you.”

Chief Executive Paul Laurie told The Mirror they had been inundated with letters and messages of support, saying: “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.”