The new veterinary hospital at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home will be named after Paul O’Grady, the charity’s ambassador who died in March.
The announcement on Monday came on what would have been O’Grady’s 11th anniversary in the charity role, with the organisation saying a tribute fund set up in his honour would go towards “life-saving and transformative medical procedures” for dogs and cats that need specialist care and treatment.
“Seeing how loved Paul was by so many has been truly touching,” O’Grady’s widower, Andre Portasio, said. “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.”
He added: “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.”
The animal charity said the fund had raised £480,000 so far. Five other animal charities close to the comedian’s heart are each to receive £20,000.
Charities near O’Grady’s home city of Liverpool are among them, including Freshfields Animal Rescue, Carla Lane Animals in Need and the Oldies Club. StreetVet, a charity providing veterinary care to pets of people experiencing homelessness, for which O’Grady was also an ambassador. The RSPCA Ashford Garden Cattery, where he was the president, will also receive funding.
The TV and radio presenter became an ambassador for Battersea in 2012 after the success of ITV’s award-winning For the Love of Dogs – 11 series of which were filmed at the home.
O’Grady was given a special recognition prize at the 2018 National Television awards for the impact For the Love of Dogs had on helping to find homes for rescue animals nationwide and posthumously won the factual entertainment award for it at this year’s awards. His contribution to animal welfare was also recognised with an RSPCA animal hero award.
The chief executive of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Peter Laurie, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the generous donations from thousands of people following the death of our beloved ambassador, Paul O’Grady. It really is a testament to how loved Paul was, and we shall always be forever grateful for everything he did for us.
“As an ambassador for Battersea, especially during his 11 years filming For the Love of Dogs, Paul helped animals in their recuperation from surgery, and at times watched as they headed off-site for specialist surgery. Naming our veterinary hospital after Paul, therefore, feels fitting.”
