MORE THAN £1,000 was raised for needy cats and kittens at a bingo evening at the Dolau Inn, Mochdre.

Organised by Kelly Healy to help boost her new cat care and fostering group Kelly’s Kat Rescue, the event was supported by many local businesses offering prizes and support.

These included the Gulshan, Mollies, Wendy Phillips at Serenity Relaxation and Beauty, Cracked Wheat, The Black Boy (Wetherspoons), The Smithfield Bell in Welshpool, Naomi Harvey Personal Training, Sarah’s Childminding, Sarah Hamer, Kat Evans – Kettlercise Instructor, Morrison’s in Newtown, and Tesco in Newtown.

Kelly said: “I would like to thank everyone for their donations that helped the bingo night to be a huge success, including Chris and Mark at The Dolau Inn for their continued support helping us hold the bingo night. Chris and Mark are also always donating cat food and litter.

“A huge thank you to all the businesses for their donations, Lynsey Owen for all her help with the bingo night and her help as a fosterer for the kittens as well.

“And also everyone who came out to support us on the night.”

A total of £1,100 was raised on the night, which will go towards helping stray, unwanted and ill cats and kittens in Newtown and the surrounding areas.

Kelly said: “This money will help with having all our cats and kittens vet checked before going to their new homes. We vaccinate, microchip, flea, worm and if the cat is old enough we will get them neutered to stop any unwanted kittens.

“We do not put a healthy cat or kitten to sleep and we will treat the cat if the illness is treatable.”

Further funds were raised through a tombola stall in Bear Lanes on Newtown Carnival Day, June 10, raising £375, as well as receiving many donations of cat food and litter.

In addition, Hafren Vets raised £50 by selling books at the surgery.

Kelly also thanked Cathy Rumball who donated a number of greetings cards to sell.

She added: “We now have seven foster volunteers. These volunteers are so valuable to us and I’d like to thank you all for your time and care you give to the kittens and cats.

“We have been overwhelmed with support since starting, from local businesses to members of the public and other cat charities in the local area who have contacted me to offer their support, including Monty Moggies, Powys Animal Welfare and the Newtown RSPCA.”

Kelly’s Kat Rescue attended the Adult Learners Event on Friday, June 23, at 12.30pm at the Newtown Open Hub (the old radio station). They brought along some of their kittens.

n For more information on the special feline service they provide, find ‘Kelly’s Kat Rescue’ on Facebook.