As Paul O’Grady makes his final journey and is laid to rest, a Paul O’Grady fan has organised a touching vigil to the star. Janine Ferguson of Birkenhead has asked that people bring their dogs out as Paul’s funeral begins today.
The funeral is a private even, organised by Paul’s husband, Andre Portasio and it will begin today at 2 pm. It will be held in Aldington, Paul’s hometown for the past twenty years.
There will then be a private memorial Port Lympne Safari Park, a place where Paul spent a lot of time over the years. Dogs from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home will form a guard of honour and as Paul passes through the town of Adlington, fans are expected to line the streets there too.
Fans there have been asked to come out between 2.10 pm and 2.45 pm to pay their respects to Paul, so we expect that Birkenhead residents will be out on their doorsteps around the same time. Speaking to the Echo, organiser Janine said:
‘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.’
‘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.’
Although Paul will be laid to rest far from Birkenhead, residents can still show their love for him in such a touching way. It seems that there is no more fitting tribute to the man who truly adored dogs.