Councillor boosts charity kitten appeal

The Extra recently reported that the Giffnock and District branch of Cats Protection were fundraising for Thomas, now six months old, who recently came into their care along with sister Tila – and who suffers from a rare deformity of the leg.

Following an initial fundraising appeal, Thomas was taken to an orthopaedic surgeon who confirmed that the fostered cat needs £2,000 worth of surgery to correct the problems caused by Deformity of Tarsus – a condition so unusual, that only Glasgow University’s School of Veterinary Medicine are qualified to handle it.

Now, East Renfrewshire councillor Vincent Waters has pledged his support to the fundraising appeal, and urges fellow animal lovers to lend a paw to little Thomas.

He commented: “Thomas is a brave lad. He can’t walk properly and needs a lot of care from Cats Protection volunteers.

“They’ve already raised £700 in a short time, and need help from local animal lovers to reach their goal.

“Without this operation, the prospects for Thomas’s future are bleak – so I’m asking people to donate to the Thomas Appeal by visiting the Cats Protection website.”

Karen Minnery, co-ordinator of the Giffnock and District Cats Protection group, told The Extra: “Our branch is just a year old, and this is a big challenge for us.

“Our friends at Rouken Glen Vets have been terrific in looking after Thomas, and have made the arrangements for the operation at the vet school – we just need to find the money.

“Thomas is just six months old, and we want to see him live to a ripe old age.”

Next up for the fundraising drive is a psychic night at the Redhurst Hotel, on April 20 – tickets for which are available by contacting the branch on 638 5110, or at the door on the night.

To follow the progress of the Thomas Appeal, or to sponsor the kitten, visit the charity’s Just Giving page.