‘Paul’s legacy will live on’
Paul O’Grady is having a veterinary hospital named after him.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home announced the news on Monday which also marked 11 years since the late TV and radio presenter was made an ambassador of the charity.
The 67-year-old, who died in March, was well known for his work with the animal charity and helped draw attention to the shelter through ITV’s award-winning series, For The Love of Dogs. Eleven series of the show were filmed at the charity’s southwest London facility.
A tribute fund set-up by charity in O’Grady’s honour has since raised £480,000.
The charity announced it would spend the funds on “life-saving and transformative medical procedures” for dogs and cats who need specialist care and treatment.
Five other animal charities that meant something to the star will also each receive £20,000, including, StreetVet – a charity providing veterinary care to pets of people experiencing homelessness – and the RSPCA Ashford Garden Cattery, where O’Grady was president.
O’Grady’s husband, Andre Portasio, said, according to Sky News: “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.”
Peter Laurie, chief executive of Battersea said: “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.”
O’Grady was awarded an RSPCA animal hero award in 2016 and he won a special recognition award at the 2018 National Television Awards (NTAs) for the impact For The Love Of Dogs had on helping find homes for rescue animals nationwide.
He also posthumously won the factual entertainment award for The Love Of Dogs at the 2023 NTAs.
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