Hi. My name is Julie and I'm raising funds for a brave little soul that I've named Mavis.

Mavis turned up in my garden back in August after getting in a bit of a tumble with my neighbor's cat.

She was very nervous and very hungry! She wouldn't let me near her for the first couple of weeks, but then she began to trust me and let me give her the odd little head scratch, which soon turned into cuddles.

I took her to the vet, she was thin and had a skin condition, which a course of steroids thankfully cleared up. She wasn't chipped, so the vet had to keep her for a few days to see if anyone came to claim her, but no-one did.

I was secretly relieved, as I was growing fond of her....

I bought her a little insulated house, which she happily lived in in the garden. I already have two cats and I wasn't sure if they'd all get on, but she was fine outside in the summer, coming for breakfast in the morning and dinner at night.

As it got chilly, I would put hot water bottles in her house to keep it cosy.

After a few more vet check ups I decided to get her chipped. She was building a medical history with me and if I was going to take responsibility for her, legally I had to.

It was during the health check that the vet discovered that she may have kidney problems, or that she may be diabetic.

They estimated her age at 10 years old, and with no background history at all, they had to run lots of tests, take bloods and urine, etc. She was so brave!

I moved her into the house in November and very cautiously, all three cats are living in relative harmony!

We have the occasional growl or hiss, but no upsets.

As time has gone on, Mavis has settled into her own little ways. She does go into the garden, but doesn't wander far and always likes to come back in.

I'm setting this page up for financial help with the ongoing medical expenses. The vet has said that there may be a time when she doesn't need treatment and I really hope that day comes for her. Although she's ever so patient of her twice daily jabs!

I've been meeting the cost myself with a little help from friends and family (but mostly my credit card) and I'll always find the money from somewhere, but a few people have suggested that I try this, so here we are!

Any donations would be amazing and if you've got this far and decided not to donate, that's fine too. Thank you for reading Mave's story so far xx