We genuinely hate asking all you lovely people for help but we really need it. We've always strongly disagreed with this form of fundraising but the love for our little cat Wilbs has pushed all sense of pride to one side temporarily as she's the most important thing in the world to us. Also, we know we'd do the same for our other cat friends.

Wilbs developed a problem with her right eye in August which has received ongoing medication. We thought we had her corneal ulcer under control but things worsened this week and she was rushed into emergency surgery yesterday.

She has £3000 worth of insurance cover for each condition but costs have now run to £4500 after the surgery yesterday and are likely to continue to escalate over the coming months.

We have to say that we've never been out of work in our entire lives and have never claimed any form of benefit or allowance. We're very proud and responsible people and consider ourselves givers rather than takers. However, there is a very real threat that we will both be made redundant just after Christmas.

Although we're sure we'll survive this isn't about us, it's about Wilbs. We need to be sure her ongoing treatment is covered no matter what happens to us. We can't believe how much this has cost in such a short space of time. She has such beautiful eyes and we really don't want her to lose one!

Please help if you can. We already appreciate the love you continue to share daily through her page.