Paul O’Grady’s home town of Birkenhead is preparing to line the streets with dogs on the day of his funeral service as a mark of regard to the late speaker.
The star, who had actually suffered many cardiovascular disease for many years, passed away from abrupt heart arrhythmia aged 67 last month.
He was understood for his love of dogs and provided For the Love of Dogs on ITV for 11 seasons right up until his death.
A fan from Birkenhead, which is simply outdoors Liverpool, called Janine Ferguson informed the Wirral Globe on Tuesday (18 April): “The plan is for people to line the streets with their families and bring their dogs as a sign of respect.
“I’ve asked for all local rescue dogs and cats’ homes to attend as well so we can collect donations from everyone there.”
She included: “It only started off as a small idea but it has gone absolutely mad. I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction and the feedback.”
(Multistory Media)
Earlier today, the speaker’s spouse, previous dancer Andre Portasio, welcomed fans of the late star to grieve his death at a funeral procession through the town of Aldington in Kent, where O’Grady lived at the time of his death.
Portasio published in regional Facebook groups on Monday (17 April), revealing his “deepest gratitude” for the “overwhelming outpouring of support and love I have received since the passing of our beloved Paul O’Grady”.
He composed: “Your kind messages, beautiful flowers, and thoughtful texts of condolences have brought me comfort and solace during this difficult time.
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“I am incredibly grateful for the support and love I have received from our community and we want to thank each and every one of you for your kindness and generosity.”
He said that a personal funeral service would be held for O’Grady on Thursday 20 April, however included that a funeral procession would go through Aldington prior to heading to the church “as a way of marking Paul’s affection for the area”.
Residents are welcomed to come to Roman Road, Forge Hill or New Road Hill in between 2.10pm and 2.45pm on the day of the funeral service. Portasio asked anybody preparation to address “respect the villagers and the local area”.
Read O’Grady’s poignant words on life and death here.
