My name is Janina, and on the 3rd of May 2026 I travelled to Crete for my boyfriend’s birthday. I never imagined that trip would change a life forever.

On his way to the shop, my boyfriend came across a tiny kitten lying on the street—so sick he could barely lift his head. He was completely emaciated, covered in fleas, and his eyes were sealed shut with infection. People walked past him, some looking with pity, but no one stopped.

When my boyfriend called and told me, I didn’t hesitate. I told him to bring the kitten back to the hotel immediately.

When I saw him, I genuinely thought he was about to die.

But we had to try.

I gently bathed him in the hotel sink. His little body was limp, but as the warm water ran over him and the dirt and infection washed away, I could feel a change. I carefully cleaned his eyes and, for the first time, he opened them.

He looked straight at me.

In that moment, I knew he still had a chance.

I wrapped him in a towel, kept him warm, and for the first time, he felt safe. Despite everything he had been through, he didn’t fight—he just needed comfort.

But time was against us. My flight back to the UK was at 2am that same morning. I had only hours to find help and make sure he wouldn’t be left to die.

I made countless calls—no answer. It was Sunday. Vets were closed. Messages went unanswered. The hotel couldn’t help. It would have been easy to give up.

But giving up was not an option.

I posted desperately on Facebook, and the response was overwhelming. Kind people reached out, and finally I was put in touch with an incredible woman, Marie Makraki, who agreed to take him and get him to a vet.

That moment was pure relief.

When we met, she explained the reality for many stray cats treated, then released back onto the streets, often becoming unwell again. I know I can’t save them all.

But this little boy… felt like my responsibility.

From the moment he looked at me, I knew I couldn’t walk away.

That’s when I made the decision: I will bring him home to the UK and give him the life he deserves.

He is now in the care of the amazing Anna Asiminaki, who rescues and rehabilitates vulnerable animals and helps them find safe, loving homes. He is currently receiving treatment at a veterinary clinic in Agios Nikolaos the only place open that Sunday night.

His condition is very serious.

His blood tests show:

* Extremely high white blood cells, indicating severe infection

* Abnormal hematocrit and platelet levels

* Poor protein, kidney, and electrolyte values

The only good news is that he tested negative for FELV and FIV.

Despite everything, he is still fighting.

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Why I Need Your Help

The costs for his care are already adding up:

* Emergency visit & first night: €50

* Daily hospitalisation (including medication, food, care): €25/day

* FELV/FIV test: €25

* Blood tests: €15

* Biochemistry tests: €40

* Flea treatment & deworming: €20

And this is just the beginning. He will need ongoing treatment, recovery care, and eventually the cost of bringing him safely to the UK.

His Future

He has been named Hero because that’s exactly what he is. Despite pain, infection, and neglect, he is still here, still fighting.

All I want is to give him the chance he deserves: a safe home, a healthy life, and to never suffer like this again.

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❤️ Please Help Save Hero

If you can donate, no matter how small, it will go directly towards his care and bringing him to safety.

If you can’t donate, please share his story.

Because of you, Hero has a chance.