WIRRAL Council has confirmed that they have "received a range of great ideas" on how they can celebrate Paul O'Grady in his hometown following his death.

O'Grady died on March 28 at his home in the village of Aldington in Kent. On Saturday, April 15 it was confirmed that he had died from a sudden cardiac arrhythmia.

A private funeral service was held at St Rumwold’s Church in the village of Bonnington in Kent for O’Grady last Thursday (April 20), conducted by Reverend Canon Roger Martin.

Kieran Gabriel, 34, who was born and raised in Birkenhead, set up a petition after Paul's death calling for a statue of him to be placed in his hometown.

Speaking about setting up the petition following his death, Kieran said: "It just felt like the right thing to do, and I was surprised that there wasn't already a petition.

"Liverpool has so many statues of icons from the area and I think Paul has left behind such a huge legacy with his animal rights work, LGBTQ+ and political activism, and of course his huge cultural impact with Lily Savage.

"Birkenhead would absolutely be the right place for such a permanent tribute, since I know Birkenhead was always so close to his heart."

On Saturday (April 22) the petition passed 200,000 signatures, which Kieran described as "very touching".

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"Reaching this milestone is incredible, I never expected it to hit 100,000 - let alone 200k", he said.

"It's very touching to see how many people it's reached, but that's just a testament to the breadth of love that's out there for Paul.

"There are lots of positive chats happening behind the scenes now to try and make this happen, and in the meantime, we've set up a fundraiser for those who can afford to donate to the cause. "

The fundraiser has currently raised over £2,500, with a £70,000 target.

Wirral Council's plans...

Wirral Council was asked about their plans and ideas on how they will celebrate and remember Paul in Birkenhead.

David Armstrong, Assistant Chief Executive, Wirral Council, said: "We know, and share, the love and affection that Wirral - and Birkenhead especially - has for Paul. As both Lily Savage and Paul O'Grady, he was an iconic personality and always talked positively about where he was from.

"It is only right that people would wish to see a lasting, appropriate tribute in his hometown.

"We have already received a range of great ideas and offers to work with us from local artists and communities, which will all be considered as part of our Borough of Culture preparations for next year.

"We will, of course, wish to discuss all plans with Paul’s family, friends and supporters in time. However, for the time being, we are respecting the request from his loved ones for the time and space to come to terms with their loss."

To sign the petition, visit https://www.change.org/p/a-paul-o-grady-statue-in-his-hometown-of-birkenhead.

To donate to the fundraiser, visit https://www.gofundme.com/.