Claire Nicklin set herself an ambition challenge to raise money for Cats Protection after we found her two new feline family members.

Claire from Widnes, Cheshire has raised almost £300 for cats in need by running 100 miles over the course of two months.

Claire was inspired to complete her Miles for Moggies challenge after we had found two cats that were the perfect match for her and her family; Saffie from our Wrexham Adoption Centre and Marvin from our St Helens Adoption Centre.

Claire with her parents' cat Marvin

“When I moved out of my parents’ house, I knew I needed a companion, which is when I got Saffie,” said Claire. “When I spoke with the lady at the centre I made it clear I didn't mind having a cat that required medication and she suggested Saffie to me. She had acute gingivitis, only had six teeth left as her gums were in a poor state and required steroids daily.

“She wouldn't come out of her box so the lady locked me in the pen and left us alone. As soon as she had gone Saffie was all over me and I knew she was the one for me. She's seven now and three of her teeth have since been removed but we are now managing her gums steroid free!”

A few years later, Claire turned to Cats Protection for help again, this time to find a new companion for her parents.

“We lost our family cat at the beginning of 2019 and I think the biggest struggle for them was not having a cat around the house or a face to welcome them when they came home.

“Marvin has FIV so he was an ideal fit for my parents who were looking for a house cat. An Instagram video of his squeaky meow got the ball rolling and the team at St Helens’ support and check in with my parents to this day, they've been absolutely fabulous.

“The biggest help from Cats Protection was uniting us with our moggies and making it such an easy process. Especially throughout lockdown having a companion to keep you company has made all the difference.

Claire's cat Saffie

“We've been so lucky to have found our furry companions with Cats Protection's help. Our moggies make us very happy people!”

It was this help, and knowing that charities were struggling to raise funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, that prompted Claire to take up the Miles for Moggies challenge.

“I have always supported Cats Protection but during lockdown felt something more needed to be done. I was very pleased to be able to give something back to a charity that has helped my family so much.”

Claire ran her 100 miles around her hometown of Widnes, completing the majority of her miles along the Trans Penine Trail.

“This challenge pushed me out of my comfort zone, but the thrill of completing those miles and fundraising above my target was so rewarding.

“I actually suffered with a shoulder injury so was out of action for a week and a half. As a result I put in around 50 miles in that final week alone - my toes were sore after that one!”

Claire hopes that her fundraising efforts will inspire others to take on a challenge for Cats Protection.
“A challenge is never easy, but doing it for such a worthy cause will motivate you to push yourself.”

The money Claire raised from her challenge will go towards helping us care for cats like Jason.

Jason’s story

Jason arrived at our St Helens Adoption Centre in early January 2020 as an older boy who is blind in his left eye and a little hard of hearing.

After routine blood work, it was discovered that he required surgery for an overactive thyroid. He recovered well from his surgery and after a period of observation he was adopted.

Sadly this home didn’t work out and he was returned to Cats Protection, this time coming into the care of our Warrington Adoption Centre.

A repeat blood test on arrival showed he was now suffering from an underactive thyroid. We managed to get him stabilised with medication and he happily has now gone to a loving new home.

You can help us care for cats like Jason by taking on your own Miles for Moggies challenge this April, visit www.cats.org.uk/milesformoggies to find out more.