Those who know me, know that cats have always been at the heart of my existence.

I grew up in a household where we never had fewer than three cats at a time — they just seemed to find us, and we happily adapted to their needs. That deep love and respect for cats has even shaped my career — I’ve worked for a cat food company (KatKin), and now I work at a wonderful veterinary group (Creature Comforts), helping improve the lives of pets and their people every day.

I’ve long admired Cats Protection, but only recently got involved directly after discovering a mum and six tiny kittens under a neighbour’s rusty decking. I helped safely wrangle them and brought them to the amazing team at Mitcham’s Cats Protection (huge shout out to Jane!).

Running the London Marathon is a chance for me to give back in my own way. Cats Protection does incredible work, and I’m proud to be part of its extended family — now I want to help raise funds so they can continue changing feline lives for the better.

* £5 can buy specialist milk to feed an orphaned kitten for 10 days 

* £10 feeds a cat for 50 days

* £20 provides the first heath check for a cat brought into one of the centres

I would appreciate anything you can spare, whether it's £1, £100 or simply words of encouragement.

Thank you so much,

Rachel x x x