Help with repairs at whiskers animal sanctuary

My name is Janice Simcox and I am 68 years old .

My husband and myself had been committed to cat welfare for 23 years since building Whiskers New Park Animal Sanctuary with our life savings. However, 2 years ago I had to go into hospital to have my hip replaced. My husband was very worried and had kept the Sanctuary running for some time as I was unable to walk far without a lot of pain. We had already discussed if I was not to come back then he would do right by Whiskers residents and continue to take care of the cats. I have heart disease so prayed if God wanted me to continue it was in his hands.

Coming home was wonderful and had a lovely home coming . The following morning I lost Peter who died of a heart attack.

At first I could not imagine running the Sanctuary on my own or if I even wanted to. It seemed impossible. However, as I was looking out the window I could see all the Whiskers residents gathering. I knew they had lives to live and I wanted to finish what Peter and I started.

Friends rallied round coming to the Sanctuary to help me in my time of need. My strength grew and I felt the impossible became possible. I did retire but continue to look after all of the older residents who have been with us for years. There are about 40 cats here now. Many of which have lived their lives here because they were too nervous, deemed too feral, or had disabilities.

Over the years many have found forever homes. We had many highs and lows but together we created a Sanctuary where the cats could have their freedom to climb trees, go over the fields, and be home for supper. The location is very remote and without Peter it can be lonely work but it is ideal for the cats and watching them enjoy life makes it all worth it.

Now I am running the Sanctuary on my own. However, the time has come where the Sanctuary is in desperate need of repairs.

A lot of the wood has rotted away in the cat units, and the fencing my husband built 15 years ago unfortunately needs to be replaced for our two lovely Donkeys.

The fence is badly in need of renewing. Some of the timber has rotted and we have not been able to paint protection for several years.

The cat shelves are all in a similar condition - some are still standing but most have collapsed. Many of the cat houses Peter built when we first moved here are in dire need of repair also.

Anything at all people can afford to donate, even the smallest of donations, would mean a great deal to me and the Whiskers residents.