5 MINUTES WITH...
Paul O’grady, 62 – this week fronting a glittery, star-studded awards bash on ITV to celebrate NHS heroes in the service’s 70th anniversary year…
What’s your reason for fronting the NHS
Heroes Awards?
Phillip Schofield and Stephen Mulhern weren’t available so they got me in! No, in all seriousness, I’m really pleased they asked me because the NHS is something that’s very close to my heart – literally! (Paul has survived three heart attacks in the past). I think these are long overdue awards for the NHS and I’m delighted to be part of it.
What’s your most poignant memory of the NHS?
Probably my father’s death. When I was 16 years old, my mother had a heart attack, and when they told my dad, he collapsed and was taken into intensive care. He sadly died and my aunt had to tell my mother.
What about your earliest memory of the NHS?
I was one of those kids who broke everything… My collar bone, nose, wrist, arm, leg, ankle, toes and fingers – everything. My mother was always up at the children’s hospital with me, though I wouldn’t say I was accident prone or clumsy – I just climbed things and was always falling off roofs or trees. I was also the paper boy in St Catherine’s, selling papers and ciggies. Can you believe that now? In a hospital!
What has the service meant to you over the years?
I’ve got nothing but praise. The first time I went in with my heart attack, I’ll never forget these two nurses in intensive care – they were angels. How do they manage and remain so cheerful? They’re all amazing people.
If you had to nominate someone for an award, who would it be?
My cardiologist. He’s so patient! And he thinks I’m one of the un-dead; when I go for a check-up, he says, “I don’t know how you do it.”
And if you could say one thing to the people who make up the NHS?
I’d just like to say thank you.