Donations to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home passes £100,000 following Paul O’Grady's death

Animal charity, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, have said that they are 'overwhelmed and touched' by the mass of donations from the public since Paul O’Grady's death, which has now surpassed the £100,000 mark.

The comedian and presenter worked with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, to help many animals get the support they need, and eventually be re-homed.

The charitable organisation set up a 'tribute fund' following the 67-year-old pet lover's death.

Chief executive, Peter Laurie, said in a statement to the PA news agency: “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.”

The animal shelter credited O'Grady's influence on thousands of abandoned animals finding new loving homes.

We’re deeply saddened to learn that our wonderful, kind friend and beloved Ambassador Paul O’Grady MBE has passed away. He will be so dearly missed by all of us at Battersea. Our love and thoughts go out to all of Paul's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/hjfwBcu7sz

— Battersea (@Battersea_) March 29, 2023

Laurie spoke of O'Grady on their website calling the presenter a 'devoted animal lover with the biggest heart'.

He continued to say that the comedian 'fell head over heels in love with every dog he met at our centres' and credited the presenter as having 'had an extremely hands on approach' in his role as an ambassador at the charity.

National treasure, O’Grady was named an ambassador of the dog and cat organisation in 2012, following the runaway success of ITV’s multi-award-winning For The Love Of Dogs, 11 series of which were filmed at the home, and the final series began airing earlier this week.

Viewers were said to be 'sobbing' and 'in tears' upon the bittersweet first episode, as Paul got to know some adorable pooches at the shelter, who are waiting to be homed.

The episode ended in silence, with the usually cheerful credits shown against a black background, followed by a tribute to the beloved presenter.

At the time of his death, O'Grady's husband released a statement confirming the new's of his passing, but did not disclose a cause of death.

However O'Grady's death certificate, obtained by the Express, has revealed that the presenter died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia.

The British Heart Foundation explains that sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) is when someone dies suddenly following a cardiac arrest, and no obvious cause can be found.