A CAT rescue charity which has been run by a mum-of-two for more than 20 years is facing financial hardship.

Maureen Savage, the owner of Moggies Cat Rescue, has put out an appeal for support in order to keep the independently run Darwen charity open.

Hundreds of pets lovers have passed through the doors of Mrs Savage’s home while the 73-year-old has helped rescue thousands of cats and kittens from across East Lancashire, including Clitheroe, Burnley, Colne and Nelson.

Suffering from ill health, the pensioner has been in and out of hospital over the last three-and-a-half years for cancer treatment but is now on the road to recovery.

During that time Mrs Savage, of Stansfield Street, has relied on several insurance policies to keep the charity going but is now running out of funds.

It is feared that the 26-year-old business, which has helped rescue, treat and rehome more than 400 cats and kittens a year, could close without extra help.

Mrs Savage, who moved from Preston to Darwen more than 20 years ago, said the charity was her livelihood and she would be devastated to see it close.

She said: “I would be distraught because I have met so many lovely people - I absolutely love Darwen and the people in the town.

“There are a lot of good moments though and it’s just lovely when you see a little cat that finds a home again.

“I have also taken in some lovely cats and some sad cats, which have broken my heart when they are allowed to come here and then have died because they have been so unwell.

Around £1,000 will need to be raised to keep the business afloat but so far just £160 on the charity owner’s gofundme page, which was set up by one of her friends.

Mrs Savage,who is currently looking after three kittens and 11 adult cats, added: “I have a really good network of friends that I have met through Moggie’s and cat lovers that pitch in.”

The charity owner says any money raised will go towards cat food, litter and vet bills. This includes testing any rescue cats for Feline Aids and leukemia and to make sure they are flea’d and wormed.

Before they are rehomed they are also neutered and chipped, with the process costing around £110 for each cat and kitten. To donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/moggiescatrescue. You can also send a cheque payable to 'Moggies Cat Rescue' or bring cash into the Lancashire Telegraph office in Church Street, Blackburn, and ask for Wendy Pearson.