I am fortunate to have been given a ballot place for this year's London Marathon. I cannot think of a better way to help out a local charity that is close to my heart, by doing a little sponsorship for Ashford and District RSPCA / Ashford Garden Cattery.

I will be running the London Marathon on 21st April 2024. It will be my first marathon and I am nervous and excited for this challenge. Knowing that people have sponsored me, and the money is going to help out our feline friends, will give me the determination and push I need during those tough moments.

Please take a moment to read below the wonderful work Ashford and District RSPCA / Ashford Garden Cattery do to help the local community. Thank you so much for your kind donations and support

We are a stand-alone Charity and rely on local support, whilst under the umbrella of the National RSPCA.

Thanks to our team of dedicated staff and volunteers, we run a re-homing Cattery, taking in cats seized by the Inspector because of neglect or cases of animal cruelty. Cats where the owner has died or gone into a care home which gives them peace of mind. We take in cats where the owner cannot keep them anymore due to various circumstances and are reassured that their pet will find a new loving home. Cats are re-homed to families who wish their children to grow up learning the responsibility of looking after an animal, to people looking for companionship or just because they want someone to love. Our Ashford Garden Cattery rehome over 300 cats a year.

We help those in the borough with vouchers towards vet treatment and neutering of their pets, not just cats. We help towards vet fees for all local wildlife. We also give talks to local schools and groups promoting kindness and preventing cruelty to all animals.

We opened our Pet Food Bank in June 2022, and as the cost of living increases this scheme is needed now more than ever. We understand that our beloved pets are family members and we are here to keep pets and owners together during difficult times, which benefits both owners and pets well being. We are greatful for all of the support we have received so far towards our pet foodbank, from members of the public, FareShare Charity and Ashford Borough Council.

We have a Charity shop based in willesborough Ashford which is run totally by volunteers who all do an amazing job in keeping the shop open daily.

We provide volunteering opportunities for the Community to get involved in the Branch from aged 18 to people in their 80’s. Placements are provided for people with learning disabilities. Also people who find it hard to interact with other people find it a lot easier to be with the cats. Everyone who volunteers finds being around the cats has a calming effect on their wellbeing.