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1 year ago
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Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has announced it will name its veterinary hospital after TV and radio presenter Paul O'Grady.
O'Grady died in March aged 67, and was well known for his work with the animal charity, which he became an ambassador of in 2012.
He also helped draw attention to Battersea through ITV award-winning series For The Love Of Dogs, 11 series of which were filmed at the facility in southwest London.
To date, £480,000 has been raised since the star's death after the animal charity set up a "tribute fund" in his honour.
Marking what would have been O'Grady's 11th year as an ambassador, the charity announced it would be spending 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.
This includes StreetVet, a charity providing veterinary care to pets of people experiencing homelessness and the RSPCA Ashford Garden Cattery, where O'Grady was president.
"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," O'Grady's husband, Andre Portasio, said.
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"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."
O'Grady's contribution to animal welfare was recognised with an RSPCA animal hero award and bagged him 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.
The presenter also posthumously won the factual entertainment award for The Love Of Dogs at the 2023 NTAs.
"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," Peter Laurie, chief executive of Battersea said.
