Two rescue cats who stay in a hospice have been named joint National Cats of the Year 2022 for the “comfort and support they bring to people at the end of their life”.
Brother and sister pair, Jasper and Willow, gained the celebrated award for the enjoyment they convey to the folks in St Peter and St James Hospice in Haywards Heath, West Sussex.
In 2018, the felines had been adopted by the hospice to offer some companionship to these receiving finish of life care.
Front of home supervisor on the hospice, Jackie Manville, stated: “We are over the moon that Jasper and Willow have been celebrated for the important role they play at the hospice.
“Since they’ve been with us, they’ve brought comfort to so many people, whether it’s patients, family and friends, or staff.
Jasper and Willow were also crowned the winners in the ‘Outstanding Rescue Cat’ category of this year’s Cats Protection National Cat Awards
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“Jasper and Willow really go to show how special rescue cats are, and we’re so proud of them both.”
A star panel – together with England Lioness Ellen White and actress Gaynor Faye – had been charged with the tough activity of crowning this yr’s winner.
Ms Faye stated: “I chose Jasper and Willow because of how much comfort and support they bring to people at the end of their life when it may be all they’ve got, and because there’s two of them.
“I have a brother and sister cat and know how much comfort they bring to me and also to each other.”
Jasper and Willow additionally collectively gained the Outstanding Rescue Cat award, voted for by Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden, celebrating cats which have been adopted from animal charities.
Ms Meaden stated: “It’s amazing to see how two rescue cats are now so happy and comfortable in their role of comforting others who are going through very difficult times.
“If ever cats can show empathy, these two do.”
Jasper and Willow have been awarded a trophy and prize bundle together with a £200 voucher to spend at a pet retailer.
Other winners embody Minty, a three-legged cat from Holywell in Wales, who helped six-year-old Connor Raven address extreme studying difficulties and medical circumstances.
Chicken, who helps 11-year-old Elliot Abery from Thatcham, Berkshire, together with his autism and anxiousness, and Marley, who works within the Apuldram Centre in Chichester serving to adults with studying difficulties.
