Details of Paul O’Grady’s funeral have been revealed, with a service set to be held in one of his favourite places, according to reports.
The much-loved entertainer died suddenly last month at the age of 67, his husband confirmed.
In a statement released on March 29, Andre Portasio said: ‘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.’
It has now been reported that the memorial service for the Blind Date star will take place at Port Lympne Safari Park, where he was a regular visitor.
According to MailOnline, O’Grady’s loved ones believe he would’ve wanted the animals he adored to ‘be around’ for the service and celebration of his life, hence why the reserve, owned by conservationist Damian Aspinall, was chosen.
The Lily Savage performer lived in the Kent village of Aldington, just three miles from Port Lympne.
He often spent time at the reserve and judged competitions for them.
It’s thought that there will be a service at a nearby church before a later celebration.
A source said: ‘Paul loved Port Lympne.
‘He got to know some of its residents very well and it was thought by his nearest and dearest that it would be a beautiful idea to hold his funeral there so they are in attendance, too.
‘Staff hope they can do him proud.’
Following the devastating news of O’Grady’s death, Port Lympne paid tribute to the chatshow host.
‘We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Paul O’Grady – a local supporter of Port Lympne and the work we do. We were incredibly grateful to have had him visit us’, they wrote on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CqX6xpho_ZU/
The reports come after the cause of O’Grady’s death was revealed.
It was stated this weekend that he died of sudden cardiac arrhythmia syndrome (SADS).
According to his death certificate obtained by the Daily Express, the syndrome was linked to the Blankey Blank host’s ischemic heart disease.
SADS is when someone dies suddenly and unexpectedly from a cardiac arrest, but the cause of the cardiac arrest can’t be found, according to the British Heart Foundation.
Ischaemic heart disease is what happens when your heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries, the NHS states.
The government body adds that it is a major cause of death in the UK and worldwide.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Source: Read Full Article