Battersea Dogs and Cats Home receives more than £110,000 following Paul O’Grady’s death

Steve Hopkins

The charity said it has been ‘overwhelmed and touched’ by the support it has received

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has received more than £110,000 in donations after setting up a fundraiser in the wake of Paul O’Grady’s death.

O’Grady, one of the UK’s best-loved TV stars, died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday night, with his partner, Andre Portasio, confirming the news with “great sadness”.

In a statement he added: “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.”

The animal rescue charity launched a “tribute fund” to honour O’Grady, who became an ambassador for Battersea in 2012 after the success of ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs. Eleven series of the show were filmed at the presenter’s home.

The charity wrote: “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.”

Fans of the LGBT+ activist and animal lover, as well as celebrities across the globe, have been paying tribute to O’Grady as well as reaching into their pockets to support a charity so close to his heart.

Shortly after midday Saturday, £113,154 had been raised.

Battersea chief executive, Peter Laurie, told the PA news agency that in the weeks ahead it will work out the best way to “pay tribute to our wonderful friend and ambassador”.

Laurie said the charity has been “overwhelmed and touched” by the letters, calls, emails, messages of support and donations made this week.

“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 that Paul loved so much and that would make him proud.”

O’Grady was given a special recognition award at the 2018 National Television Awards for the impact For The Love Of Dogs had on helping find homes for rescue animals nationwide. His contribution to animal welfare was also recognised with an RSPCA animal hero award.

He also took in several dogs himself.