Late television star Paul O’Grady will have a funeral held at a wildlife park, so he can be surrounded by beloved animals in his send off reports say.
The 67-year-old passed away ‘unexpectedly but peacefully’ at his home in Kent on March 28, with his cause of death yesterday being confirmed as sudden cardiac arrhythmia, linked to ischemic heart disease
Today, The Mail on Sunday reports that plans for Paul’s funeral are well underway – with a celebration of his life being held at Port Lympne Safari Park, Kent, a location that the charitable TV star visited frequently.
Read more: Paul O’Grady’s cause of death confirmed weeks after TV star died age 67
The Mail adds there will be a service at a nearby church before a celebration at the venue.
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.”
Port Lympne holds more than 900 rare and endangered animals, with monkeys, lions and tigers all residing in the enclosure. It also plays host to a coveted hotel and restaurant.
Hull Live reports that Paul lived in Aldington, just three miles from Port Lympne.
It was previously announced that two funerals would be held for Paul – one being a private affair open strictly to his nearest and dearest, while the other would act as a public celebration of his life and achievements. Throughout his illustrious and highly-successful career, Paul worked extensively to support animal charities.
The British Heart Foundation states that sudden arrhythmic death syndrome – otherwise known as SADS – is when a person dies suddenly after suffering cardiac arrest, and no clear or obvious cause can be found. Cardiac arrest is also identified as when your heart suddenly stops pumping blood to vital organs and the rest of the body.
Eventually, this will cause your breathing to shut down, and your brain will become starved of oxygen. It is thought that the condition affects around 500 people across the United Kingdom each year – and according to Paul’s death certificate, it was brought on by his coronary heart disease.
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