Cats Protection is urging cat lovers to take part in a special #ClimbforCats challenge this month.
The UK’s leading feline welfare charity is asking people to scale their stairs, outdoor steps or hills to raise funds for the thousands of unwanted cats in its care. Challenges can be undertaken throughout January or on a special #ClimbforCats weekend on January 29-30/.
Christian and Michelle Ewen, from Warrington, raised a total of £760 last year by walking the equivalent distance of Snowdon, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Slieve Donard up and down their stairs, accompanied by their cat, Raymond Reddington, that they adopted from their local Cats Protection centre.
Christian said: “Michelle and I are not, by nature, especially fit or sporty people; however, we took the opportunity of lockdown to set ourselves healthier routines – making sure we get outdoors every day for a long walk.”
INDOOR CHALLENGE
“For our indoor challenge, we were facing a total walk of 4,000 metres – or 278 trips up and down. An expert mountain guide, Jason Rawles of Aspire Adventures, provided tips to help keep us going through the endless slog.”
“Our cat Raymond decided to join in for some of it – and near the end he decided to have a sleep on the stairs. It required some fancy footwork to get around him safely!
“Michelle and I were pretty tired at the end but very pleased in the knowledge that the sponsorship we raised will help more cats like Raymond to get a happy home.”
To register for a fundraising pack, visit www.cats.org.uk/climbforcats or call 01825 741960 (lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). Please ensure you follow the rules of your local tier when planning your activity.
The charity also provides a branded Cats Protection towel if you raise £150 or more, perfect for wiping away any sweat when undertaking a challenge!