We decided to set up a new charity funded by the local RSPCA branches in the North East of England to help rehome so many more of the neglected and unwanted cats rescued by RSPCA officers in this area. We were always struggling to find space for the cats we collected in rehoming centres and were constantly filling up the local private catteries waiting for spaces to come up. 

Since the RSPCA cat rehoming hub was created in 2018 they have rehomed over 1000 cats - what an achievement! Unlike many other rehoming centres they agree to take in cats that need extensive rehabilitation and expensive vet treatment. And even manage to find farm homes for many feral and stray cats who can’t settle in a home environment. 

It has made such a difference to the RSPCA Inspectors to have such an organisation available to take in the many cats and kittens that we rescue from often terrible conditions and often with health problems. And it’s wonderful to see those cats going on to find happy new homes when they have regained their full health. The photos in the gallery show some of the cats and kittens I have rescued and fostered myself that have gone on to thrive and have found happy new forever homes through the cat hub. 

Funding the cat hub is a constant challenge as the funding from the local branches relies on those volunteers raising many thousands of pounds each year to pay for the ever increasing costs of caring for all the cats and rehoming them once healthy; neutered, flea and worm treated, fully vaccinated and microchipped. So they need every penny I can raise to help them to continue into next year. 

I plan to trek solo over 100 miles between 6th and 13th September 2022 whilst carrying a 20+kg rucksack with all my camping gear and food and water as I have decided to wild camp each night. This will all be in the Highlands of Scotland and involves climbing 2440m in the process. I have been and will be training with my pack for three months before then to get my body used to carrying all that weight. It’s been going well so far.

I wanted to challenge myself and raise as much money as I can for the cat hub so please donate what you can - I will be forever grateful and every penny really does count!