A woman from South Ribble has launched a fundraiser to honour her and her late husband’s mission to rescue stray cats.

Mel Winder and her late husband Dave started taking in the stray animals as he was a ‘big softie for cats’ and family and friends began turning to the couple when there was a cat in need of their help.

But after Dave died one year ago, Mel has struggled to care for the helpless cats on her own so is now reaching out for help to save the strays.

Mel, who currently cares for six stray cats, said: “...Although I am skint I continue the work. I've even volunteered to take in fosters. I cannot bear to see an animal suffer. And besides if I didn't have then I wouldn't be here.

“The only problem with taking in strays is that they sometimes come with underlying issues which only crop up sometimes weeks or months or years after you take them in!

“I now have three poorly cats. One of which is Malcolm (pictured), who was diagnosed with FIV and has a virus in his gums which makes it difficult for him to eat.”

Feline immunodeficiency virus is a viral infection spread by biting and body fluids, that causes animals to have weaker immune system in comparison with non-FIV positive cats.

Mel added: “At present I am having to dispense around six or seven different meds during the morning before work after work before bed and sometimes during the night.

“Apart from still reeling from my loss of my fella and my house, running a house alone, and working full time. I am now stressed with poorly animals and exhausted mentally and physically but I battle on for them as they keep me going.

“I don't want to ask this I really don't but I have hit rock bottom so I am asking for help. The fees are crippling me, at the moment my entire wage is going on rent, bills, specialised cat food and vets fees.

“Whatever is left I get a little shopping in for myself. But I would starve if it meant keeping my babies alive that's what they mean to me, they are my support animals and I keep taking them in.”

Desperate to reach her target of £1000, Mel has even applied for a second job which she is waiting for hear back from.

She has also attempted to get help from the RSCPA and the PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) but have all echoed the same response that she isn’t entitled to support.

To help Mel reach her target and save her stray cats, you can donate to her GoFundMe page here.