Fans of Paul O’Grady are planning a massive celebration of his life alongside the private funeral planned by the late star’s husband, Andre Portasio.
The Lily Savage star passed away suddenly earlier this month in the news that shocked the nation and close friends like the Queen Consort, Camilla.
The TV host had a decades-spanning career and became one of the UK’s leading TV personalities on shows like Blind Date, Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs and the Great British Escape.
Andre is hosting a private ceremony in Kent on Thursday, April 20, while fan Janine Ferguson is planning an event in the star’s hometown of Birkenhead, Merseyside.
Janine, who lived in the town until she was 13 years old, organised the community event for the same day as the funeral in the hopes that residents would line the streets and pay their respects.
Speaking to The Globe, Jane said that as a “great lover” of Paul, she was “absolutely traumatised” by the tragic news because he was loved by everyone.
While Janine now lives in North Wales, she has organised the event so that people will line the streets of Grange Road and Woodchurch Road from 20m on April 20.
“The plan is for people to line the streets with their families and bring their dogs as a sign of respect. I’ve asked for all local rescue dogs and cats' homes to attend as well so we can collect donations from everyone there,” she explained.
Janine has also encouraged fans to bring condolence books which will be collected and sent off to Paul’s favourite charity, Battersea Dogs, to be passed on to the star’s family.
Janine continued: “It only started off as a small idea but it has gone absolutely mad. I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction and the feedback
“Birkenhead was Paul’s home so I hope we can give it our very best to make his memory an extremely special day.”
The event will run until 4 pm.
Paul’s death was announced at the end of March in a statement that read: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.”
“We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
Paul’s cause of death was later revealed to be a sudden cardiac arrhythmia, which was linked to heart disease.
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