A charity that rescues stray and unwanted cats is urging members of the public to help them look after their animals over the festive period. 

Marjorie Nash Cat Rescue, based in Widmer End, was founded in 1994 and has helped save the lives of thousands of cats and kittens ever since. 

The charity was founded by animal lover and mother-of-two Marjorie Nash, who sadly passed away in August 2013 from kidney failure following a stroke.

Since she passed away, her legacy has continued with her children, Graham and Ursula, continuing her vital work. 

While the charity – which has three catteries in Amersham, Chesham Bois and Little Chalfont – is working tirelessly to provide a safe and warm place for the pets to live, they are urging animal lovers to donate to help them to look after the dozens of cats they will have over the Christmas period. 

Miss Nash told the Bucks Free Press that the charity will see a rise in the number of cats they take in after Christmas. 

She said: “We see a lot of cats come in after Christmas because they have been bought for presents and they are not wanted. We get very busy. It is very sad.

“Every day someone asks us to take in another cat, for a number of different reasons – it could be because they have had a baby, or they are leaving the country, or because they are allergic, or their owner has died.

“Sometimes we also bring in strays and mothers with kittens or those that are pregnant. There is such a huge need for what we do. It really is a problem.” 

The charity relies on donations made by the general public and gets no government grants or additional help – meaning their Christmas appeal for donations and money is all the more important. 

Miss Nash added: “We have to raise all our own money and it is really hard, the vet fees are so expensive - they are enormous - but obviously it is a very important part of what we do.

“We take in about 50 cats at a time so you can imagine how much it costs. 

“There are also some cats who can’t be re-homed because of health problems and some that are elderly so we look after them and keep them comfortable.” 

If you can help the charity look after the stray and unwanted cats over Christmas, there are donation bins in Morrisons and Jollyes in High Wycombe plus the Co-op at Hazlemere, where gifts of food can be given. 

Cheques can also be made payable to Marjorie Nash Cat Rescue at 31 Snowdrop Way, Widmer End, High Wycombe, HP15 6BL or online through PayPal. 

To find out how you can offer a home to an unwanted cat, visit www.marjorienashcatrescue.org.uk or call 01494 715345.