Oldham Cats is back to doing what it does best

Local charity Oldham Cats Rescue have raised a staggering £43,000 of funding to help rebuild their Middleton-based shelter that was damaged by a killer virus known as panleukopenia.

Back in the summer the charity had to overcome the effects of the disease that eventually led to the tragic deaths of seven kittens.

The charity could not accept or rehome any cats during the two weeks after the disease had broken out.

Panleukopenia is a disease referred to as ‘feline distemper’.

Although it is deadly for cats it cannot be transferred to humans.

In cats it is responsible for a decrease in white blood cells which compromise their immune system.

Death can result in less than 24 hours and the disease is highly contagious.

With the charity rescue deeply affected by the disease, they set up some fund-raising events to help get the rescue base back on track.

In August the charity set up a summer fair at the Jumbo Centre in Middleton.

At that event was a book launch called ‘hearts with paws’ - this was to promote the book ‘Little Jack and the Ginger Invaders’.

Those who went to the summer fair were able to have their book signed.

All proceeds from the book sales went to Oldham Cats Rescue.

Another event was held in September at Royton and Crompton Golf Club.

A Facebook page was also set up, and in an overwhelming show of support, the page managed to raise £6,000 within 48 hours.

Davina Hanes from Oldham Cats said: “We are truly humbled and appreciative of a community which has pulled together for us.

"We are a registered charity and rely on the goodwill of the wonderful public.”

The charity has saluted everybody who donated and helped to get it back on its feet.

This has reduced the strain on its volunteers who can now get on with helping the cats that need a new home.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.