Paul O'Grady's Battersea Dogs and Cats Home legacy grows as donations since his death pass £130k

The comic was a lifelong animal lover and an ambassador for the London-based charity.

Saturday 1 April 2023 16:23, UK

EDITORIAL USE ONLY File photo dated 07/05/13 of Paul O'Grady with rescue dogs Razor a German Shepherd, Moose a Rottweiler and Dodger a Terrier at London's Battersea Park.
Image: Paul O'Grady with rescue dogs Razor a German Shepherd, Moose a Rottweiler and Dodger a Terrier at London's Battersea Park
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More than £130,000 has been donated to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home following the death of Paul O'Grady.

The presenter and comedian became an ambassador for Battersea in 2012 after the success of ITV's multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs, 11 series of which were filmed at the home.

After O'Grady passed away on Tuesday evening at the age of 67, the animal charity set up a "tribute fund" which has so far raised more than £130,000.

At the time of writing, £131,895.00 had been raised in his memory for the home.

Chief executive Peter Laurie said: "Over the coming weeks and months, Battersea will be finding the best way to pay tribute to our wonderful friend and ambassador, the late, great Paul O'Grady MBE.

"We have been overwhelmed and touched by the countless letters, calls, emails and messages of support along with the generous donations made by kind members of the public 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."

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The Queen Consort led the tributes to comedian and TV presenter O'Grady

Mr Laurie previously said O'Grady was a "genuine animal lover" and his "real legacy" is how he showed the British public and an international audience how "lovable and incredible" rescue dogs are, inspiring people to adopt and rehome.

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A life in pictures

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.

CEO Peter Laurie speaks to the media at Battersea Cats & Dogs Home
Image: CEO Peter Laurie speaks to the media at Battersea Cats & Dogs Home

During the first series of For The Love Of Dogs, O'Grady rehomed Eddie, a Chihuahua-Jack Russell cross puppy, at his Kent farmhouse.

Eddie was joined by Boycie, a shih-tzu, in 2014, Conchita, a Maltese, in 2015, Arfur, a mongrel puppy, in 2017, Nancy, another mongrel puppy, in 2020, and Sausage, a wire-haired dachshund, in 2021.

Last year O'Grady was joined by the Queen Consort in a one-off episode of For The Love Of Dogs to mark 160 years of Battersea.

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