Paul O'Grady has new hospital named after him for cause close to his heart
ok.co.ukBattersea Dogs and Cats Home's veterinary hospital is to be named after the late Paul O'Grady.The legendary TV presenter and comedian passed away aged 67 back in March, having become celebrated in his later years as a huge lover of all things furry - making 11 series of Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs (at Battersea itself) and three series of Paul O'Grady: Animal Orphans.The Sun reports that the charity put together a 'tribute fund' after Paul's death, raising close to half a million pounds in the process, most of which will be used on "life-saving and transformative medical procedures" for poorly pets.
Five separate animal charities close to the entertainer's heart will get £20,000 too. His widower Andre Portasio said in response: "Paul was so passionate in his support of rescue animals.
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." Ex-ballet dancer Andre, 42, last spoke out around the time of what would've been the couple's sixth wedding anniversary.
In a heartbreaking social media tribute, he wrote: "Today marks a bittersweet moment as I celebrate what would have been our 6th wedding anniversary without my beloved @paulogrady by my side. "It's been five months since he passed away, leaving a massive void that words can hardly describe.
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