Following the death of television speaker and comic Paul O’Grady, who died on Tuesday 29 March aged 67, animal charities are grieving the loss of “a dedicated animal enthusiast with the most significant heart“.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening,” Paul’s partner, Andre Portasio, said. “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.”
A long-lasting dog enthusiast, Paul ended up being an ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2012, having actually shot ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs at the Home – highlighting the stories of dogs searching for brand-new houses, and the charity’s work to help them.
“Battersea joins the nation in mourning the loss of Paul O’Grady – an entertainment legend and much-loved Ambassador to our charity,” Battersea Dogs and Cats Home said in a declaration. “We’d like to extend our inmost compassions to Paul’s friends and family. To millions Paul O’Grady is the popular television and radio speaker and comic who illuminated their screens with his razor-sharp humour and continuous kindness and heat.
“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 was likewise granted the RSPCA Animal Hero Award for his exceptional contribution to animal well-being.
Chris Sherwood, president of the RSPCA, said, “Paul O’Grady’s love for animals and the unbelievable method he informed their stories influenced numerous households to re-home rescue family pets and provide a 2nd opportunity of joy.
“His determined marketing saw Paul identified with an RSPCA Animal Hero Award for his exceptional contribution to animal well-being, while he when embraced a little lamb Winston from us who had actually been rescued from a wheelie bin.
“The thoughts of all at the RSPCA are with his loved ones and our friends at Battersea at this difficult and sad time.”
