Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has introduced its veterinary hospital will likely be named after the charity’s late ambassador Paul O’Grady. The TV and radio presenter, who died in March aged 67, turned an envoy for Battersea in 2012 after the success of ITV’s award-winning For The Love Of Dogs, 11 collection of which have been filmed on the home.
After O’Grady’s demise, the animal charity arrange a “tribute fund” in his honour which has raised £480,000 up to now. On what would have marked O’Grady’s eleventh anniversary as an envoy for the charity, it introduced that the funds will likely be spent on “life-saving and transformative medical procedures” for dogs and cats who want specialist care and remedy.
Some £100,000 of the fund will likely be distributed to 5 different animal charities that have been near the entertainer’s coronary heart, with every getting £20,000. Charities close to O’Grady’s home metropolis of Liverpool are amongst those that will likely be supported together with Freshfields Animal Rescue, Carla Lane Animals In Need and The Oldies Club.
StreetVet, a charity offering veterinary care to pets of individuals experiencing homelessness, of which O’Grady was additionally an envoy, and the RSPCA Ashford Garden Cattery, the place he was the president, may even obtain a portion of the funds. Paul’s husband Andre Portasio stated: “Seeing how beloved Paul was by so many has been really touching.
“Paul was so passionate in his support of rescue animals, and it gives me some comfort to know that through the hard work and commitment of Battersea and other charities Paul’s legacy will live on. I know that Paul would have been pleased to know that the most disadvantaged animals he was so fond of championing are getting the love and support they deserve.”
O’Grady was given a particular recognition award on the 2018 National Television Awards for the impression For The Love Of Dogs had on serving to discover properties for rescue animals nationwide. The presenter additionally posthumously received the factual leisure award for the TV present on the 2023 award present.
His contribution to animal welfare was additionally recognised with an RSPCA animal hero award. The chief government of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Peter Laurie, stated: “We’ve been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the beneficiant donations from 1000’s of individuals following the demise of our beloved ambassador, Paul O’Grady.
“It actually is a testomony to how beloved Paul was, and we will all the time be endlessly grateful for all the things he did for us. As an envoy for Battersea, particularly throughout his 11 years filming For The Love Of Dogs, Paul helped animals of their recuperation from surgical procedure, and at occasions, watched as they headed off-site for specialist surgical procedure; naming our veterinary hospital after Paul, subsequently, feels becoming.
“We are pleased to also be able to share donations with other charities who support rescue animals. Paul was always a champion of the underdog, and we’ll be carrying on his legacy, by ensuring we use the funding to go the extra mile for animals that need costly surgery, medication or rehabilitation.”
