Paul O’Grady leaves £125k to his dogs in his will as he dishes out handouts from £15.5m fortune

Paul O’Grady leaves £125k to his dogs in his will as he dishes out handouts from £15.5m fortune

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Lauren Williams

By Lauren Williams


Published: 13/03/2024

- 10:26

Updated: 13/03/2024

- 11:20

Paul O’Grady died in March 2023 at the age of 67 after sudden cardiac arrhythmia

Paul O’Grady is reported to have left £15.5 million in his will after he suddenly died last year, leaving a big hole in the entertainment industry.

Throughout his life, O’Grady has always shared his passion and love of animals with the world and even adopted a fair few.


Leaving behind his legacy, O’Grady is reported to have left £125,000 set aside to be used to look after his five beloved dogs.

A donation of £500,000 to the Battersea Cats and Dogs Home was also made, which was featured on his popular TV show – For the Love of Dogs.

The trust announced last October that it had named its building after the much-loved presenter following his decade-long work with the veterinary hospital.

£775,000 of his will has been given to causes and charities that were close to his heart, including gifts of £50,000 to elephant sanctuary charities.

Paul O'Grady

Paul O'Grady left £500,000 to Battersea Cat and Dogs Trust

GETTY

The legendary star also gifted £50,000 to the Salvation Army, an organisation he admitted since they helped in need in his hometown of Liverpool.

A friend of O’Grady’s spoke about his final will and testament and told The Mirror: “This is typical of Paul as he put his money where his mouth was by leaving cash to charities that had special meaning to him.

“And though £125,000 seems like a lot of money to spend on his dogs, they also meant the world to him and he wanted to ensure they always receive the best love and care."

Despite being in a happy marriage with husband Andre Portasio, it has been reported O’Grady’s agent was going to become the carer of his beloved dogs – Nancy, Arfur, Eddie, Conchita and Sausage.

Paul O'Grady

The TV presenter left behind £125,000 for his five dogs

GETTY

Another £100,000 will go to wildlife causes abroad, including the Indian Wildlife Trust (Wildlife SOS) which helps Orangutans in Borneo.

The rest of his estate is expected to go to Portasio, O’Grady’s sister Sheila Rudd and his daughter Sharon Mousley.

Last August, Portasio marked what would have been the couple’s sixth wedding anniversary by posting a series of photographs from their 2017 wedding.

In a touching tribute, he penned: “Today marks a bittersweet moment as I celebrate what would have been our 6th wedding anniversary without my beloved @paulogrady by my side.

Paul O'Grady

Paul O'Grady left £15.5m in his will

GETTY

"It's been five months since he passed away, leaving a massive void that words can hardly describe. Yet, as I reflect on the 18 beautiful years we spent together.

“I cherish the memories that brought immense happiness into my life." (sic)

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