The veterinary hospital at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home will be named after the charity’s late ambassador Paul O’Grady, it has been announced.
The TV and radio presenter, who died in March aged 67, became an ambassador for Battersea in 2012 after the success of ITV’s award-winning For The Love Of Dogs.
11 series of the show were filmed at the home and following O’Grady’s death, the animal charity set up a “tribute fund” in his honour which has raised £480,000 to date.
On what would have marked O’Grady’s 11th anniversary as an ambassador for the charity, Battersea announced that the funds will be spent on “life-saving and transformative medical procedures” for dogs and cats who need specialist care and treatment.
Paul O'Grady tribute fund will be used to help animals who need medical procedures
Some £100,000 of the fund will be distributed to five other animal charities that were close to O’Grady’s heart with each getting £20,000.
Among the charities that will be supported are Freshfields Animal Rescue, Carla Lane Animals In Need and The Oldies Club which are located near O’Grady’s home city of Liverpool.
A portion of the funds will also be given to StreetVet, a charity providing veterinary care to pets of people experiencing homelessness, of which O’Grady was also an ambassador, and the RSPCA Ashford Garden Cattery, where he was the president.
Paul’s husband Andre Portasio said: “Seeing how loved Paul was by so many has been truly 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.”
At the 2018 National Television Awards O’Grady was given a special recognition award for the impact that For The Love Of Dogs had on helping find homes for rescue animals nationwide.
The presenter also won the factual entertainment award for the TV show at the 2023 award show after his death.
His contribution to animal welfare was also recognised with an RSPCA animal hero award.
The chief executive of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Peter Laurie, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the generous donations from thousands of people following the death of our beloved ambassador, Paul O’Grady.
“It really is a testament to how loved Paul was, and we shall always be forever grateful for everything he did for us.
“As an ambassador for Battersea, especially during his 11 years filming For The Love Of Dogs, Paul helped animals in their recuperation from surgery, and at times, watched as they headed off site for specialist surgery; naming our veterinary hospital after Paul, therefore, feels fitting.
“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.”
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