A NORTHWICH cat rescue is hoping a raffle will help provide a much needed boost to its funds after being left inundated with requests for help.

Willowsway Cat Rescue was formed by feline lovers Jo Nancollis and Liz Peach in September 2019, with the pair going on to help hundreds of animals since then.

Cats rescued by Willowsway stay with Jo, Liz or a designated foster carer where they are given the care and treatment they need before being put up for adoption.

In recent months, the charity has taken in many furry felines, including those that have come from long-standing homes, so fundraising is as important as ever

Jo said: "Back in May, my partner walked the Sandstone trail from Whitchurch to Frodsham.

"So that managed to raise about £2000, which paid for half the vet bill for that month.

"It's absolutely crazy how busy we are at the moment.

"We've actually got about six people who foster for us now, so that takes a lot of the pressure from myself and Liz.

"There are in excess of 60 cats with us at the moment.

"Recently, we've had a lot of people ringing us saying they can't look after their cats anymore.

"Some of them have had their cats for about ten years, but now as they've got older and developed health issues, they don't want them anymore."

To boost the coffers, Willowsway is holding a summer raffle, with more than 20 great prizes, including a Spa day for two with treatments at the Macdonald Portal Hotel in Tarporley.

Other prizes on offer include: a £50 Experience Days gift voucher, a full car valet at Cezzils Car Care, a £40 cheese and wine hamper from Kings Cheese and Wine and a Deluxe Afternoon Tea for Two at the Penny Farthing Team Rooms and a £20 gift voucher to spend at Dejavu Nails and Beauty in Hartford.

Jo was quick to thank all the businesses that have come forward and offered generous prizes for the raffle, with tickets available for just £1.

"We rely on support from members of the public with our fundraising to enable our work to continue," she added.

"The funds we raise are absolutely paramount and without it we just couldn’t survive.

"We get great support too from many local businesses, which means even more at the moment after the hard year everyone has had.

"We also work with a small family-run vets in Lostock (Northwich Vets) and we have some great supporters.

"They might not all have a lot of money to give, but they have a lot of love."

Further details on the raffle and the prizes on offer can be found at www.raffall.com/willowsway

Tickets are £1 each and the raffle runs until 8pm on August 13.