When a small group of friends got together in 2012 to talk about setting up a cat rescue charity, they had little idea of the scale of the project they were about to take on.


So, as Sunshine Cat Rescue prepares to celebrate its second anniversary, no one is more surprised than the volunteers themselves that the charity has successfully re-homed more than 300 cats and kittens.


Sadly, however, for every animal that is lucky enough to find a new home, there is another one waiting to take its place.


Lou Tyack, who helped set up the charity, explains: “At times we are just inundated with requests from owners who can no longer care for their pet.
“Often this is for very genuine reasons but, as a small local charity, our resources are limited. Prevention is better than cure, which is why neutering is so important.


“It not only helps reduce the number of unwanted animals but can also prevent illness and some types of unwanted behaviour.”
Karen Slater, another member of the team at Sunshine Cat Rescue, adds: “The other challenge is covering the costs of running the charity, which is why Sunshine Cat Rescue has a full programme of fundraising events, starting this month, and running throughout the year. (Full details are available on the charity’s website).


For the volunteers this is a chance to meet friends and supporters, old and new, and offer help and advice on welfare-related issues, or exchange stories about each others’ cats.”
“There is always something going on at Sunshine Cat Rescue and new volunteers are always welcome.


It can be something as simple as baking cakes for an event, holding a coffee morning with friends to raise money, sponsoring an elderly or infirm cat or even fostering a cat or kitten until the charity can find a new permanent home.
Another way to help is to donate items of bedding, cat litter or food.  However you choose to get involved, knowing that Sunshine Cat Rescue is run entirely by volunteers means that any money raised goes directly towards the welfare of the animals in its care.“

  • If you would like to help, or are interested in finding out more about the work of Sunshine Cat Rescue, log on to their website, www.sunshinecatrescue.org.uk or phone Lou on 01993 831279 for a friendly chat.