In September, Lily and Buddy met their forever family: a young British couple visiting the Mani, with space in their home for two new members. Lily and Buddy are the friendliest strays imaginable, having spent their 10 months on this earth being fussed over by tourists. Now, these little guys have been scooped off the harsh streets of a small Greek town, and are flourishing as indoor cats, their stomachs full and days filled with affection and play. However, they are still in Greece, as transport to the UK is a complicated and long-winded process.

With no fosters in the area and many dangers present, Louis has flown out to keep them safe until they can make their way home. Plans have been made and gone awry, loopholes have presented themselves then closed at the last minute, and sudden expenses have necessitated creative solutions.

But finally, after a month of uncertainty and worry - a way home has been found! On the 4th of November, L+B have a crate with their name on, ready to transport them by TaxiPet to their new parents.

The paperwork is done - all that remains is the cost.

We have 72 hours to raise the funds to bring them home.

We're Charlotte and Louis, L+B's new parents. Lily and Buddy are our dream cats and we're going to do everything in our power to keep them safe and get them to our loving home. We've spent everything we have, and borrowed what we didn't.

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind: We've travelled 3,000 kilometres, renting apartments and cancelling UK commitments, just so our little guys could be safe with us and off the streets while the administrative side is completed.

We've adapted plans: with a detour to an unfamiliar city - laying awake in a last-minute studio apartment, where the thermostat is stuck at 28 degrees, the windows don't open, and two cuddly cats won't take no for an answer... just so they can make the single available vet appointment that week.

We've made purchases we could not foresee, including special food from the vet - thanks to which their tummies have recovered from the consequences of their time on the streets.

It is a huge achievement that Lily and Buddy now have a way home, and this is due to an amazing network of people who have made it happen.

The tireless team at MIAO (Mani International Animal Organisation) have been involved every step of the way - catching the cats in our absence and organising essential veterinary procedures, as well as navigating the complicated bureaucracy that allows for the responsibile movement of animals. Lily and Buddy were given a roof over their head before our return by a kind lady in Kalamata, and the wonderful Izzie from Kalamata Cats fed them, acquiring special vet-supplied food for their upset tummies, and gave them much needed human contact in this time. It really has been a month-long team effort.

So it's incredibly frustrating that, after all the effort and emotional investment from all parties, the way home for Lily and Buddy is simply too expensive. We've spent and we've borrowed - but financially, we've run out of runway.

We're devastated, exhausted, and it was starting to feel like we were out of options.

Then our friends suggested we reach out to others who may have the means to help. With your generosity, Lily and Buddy can arrive at their new home next week. In contrast to the short life and struggles of a street cat, you can make sure L+B enjoy many years in comfort and happiness, surrounded by love.

But time is running out.

With Louis' accomodation ending, no fosters in the area, and winter on the horizon, we ask that you please help us avoid the impossible - releasing Lily and Buddy back to the street. A warm home is waiting for them: even a modest donation may make the difference.

Sincerely, THANK YOU for helping to bring Lily and Buddy home!