Willowsway Cat Rescue takes top spot as Mid Cheshire's Best for Pets

The hard-working group at Willowsway Cat Rescue, which is based in Northwich, was voted Mid Cheshire’s Best for Pets in our latest search to find the best the area has to offer in a wide range of categories.

Each week, we will be searching for the best Mid Cheshire has to offer in different categories and we’ve given out 10 awards for 2023.

The winners so far:

Best for Hair – Oliver Gibney Hairdressing

Best for Pies – Ka Pie

Best for Nails – Samantha Dean Nails and Makeup

Best for Roast Dinner – The Red Lion in Little Budworth

Best for Cocktails – Grape and Bean

Best for Breakfast – Kanya Bistro and Bar

Best for Fitness – Simon Daniels

Best for Fish and Chips – The Corner Fish and Chip Shop

Best for Tattoos – Ink FX Tattoo

Best for Pizza – Oakwood Smoke and Dough

Voting for Mid Cheshire’s Best Independent Shop or Business is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Dessert.

Next up were our furry and feathered friends and the people who take good care of them, with Willowsway Cat Rescue beating off tough competition from nine other businesses taking our latest Best of 2023 crown.

Liz Peach, Gillian Clewes, Martine Gum and Kerri Pawelczyk teamed up in September 2019 together with volunteers and fosterers.

All four ladies are trustees, Liz, Gillian and Martine are also fosterers and Liz is the registered owner.

Liz Peach, owner, trustee and fosterer

Willowsway Cat Rescue is a registered charity run solely by volunteers and is reliant on donations from our loyal supporters.

They rescue unwanted and abandoned cats and kittens, providing them with necessary and essential medical treatment before finding them forever homes.

They also provide neutering and microchipping vouchers and offer financial support for veterinary costs in times of crisis.

Willowsway also supports the trapping and neutering of feral and stray cats.

Some of the rescued cats and kittens

Martine said: “Willowsway receive daily contact regarding cats and kittens that need help.

“Many of the cats that come into the rescue have significant medical needs and require a lot of TLC, time and patience.

“Kittens often come in that are too young to be away from their mum and as a result have to be hand reared.

“Some cats needs are such that they have to remain in Willowsway care as forever fosters and they become a permanent part of our foster carers’ families.”

Martine Gum trustee and fosterer

Martine added: “We all have a love for cats and with increasing numbers of cats and kittens being abandoned or mistreated it was felt that something had to be done.

“The number of unneutered cats and unwanted litters of kittens is phenomenal and we wanted to provide a service that many other rescues don't offer.

“We want to support owners to keep their cats where possible and if this means we pick up the cost for vaccinating or neutering then we will do so.”

What do Willowsway’s supporters think of the charity? Why did they think they should take home our latest title?

One recommendation said: “I can’t praise the team highly enough.

“They are generous, supportive and professional and are totally committed to the wellbeing and welfare of the cats in their care.”

Some of the rescued cats and kittens

Martine said: “We were elated when we found out we had made the top ten shortlist and are extremely grateful to everyone who nominated and supported us.

“We are over the moon and a little stunned to actually win.

“We quite simply couldn't do what we do without our loyal supporters and dedicated team of volunteers.

“The support that people have shown by voting for us demonstrates the strength of the Willowsway team - a fantastic team of volunteers, fosters and supporters.”

For more details go to facebook.com/willowswaycatrescue

Gillian Clewes, trustee and fosterer