A CAT lover from Wellington is celebrating his 75th birthday abseiling down the Emirates Spinnaker Tower to raise funds to help unwanted cats and kittens.

David Manners, 74, is dropping more than 100 metres down the Portsmouth landmark on Sunday, August 4, to raise funds for Cats Protection’s Taunton and Wellington branch.

He is hoping other cat lovers can take part too or donate some funds to help unwanted cats in Taunton.

David said: "I volunteer for a very busy branch of Cats Protection and we find loving homes for many unwanted cats and kittens every year, as well as supporting the neutering of owned cats.

"However, we are in constant need of funds so that we can continue, and hopefully expand, our cat care work, so I’d urge other cat lovers to consider joining me on August 4 or give generously so we can guarantee a brighter future for many unwanted cats."

They include cats like one-year-old tortie-and-white Demelza, a pregnant stray cat who was brought to the Branch during April.

On a visit to the vet, Demelza was found to be suffering with a severe infection that threatened her life and her unborn kittens and so she had to undergo an emergency Caesarean section. Fortunately this was a success and Demelza and her four healthy kittens will all be going to new homes shortly.

David added: "Without Cats Protection’s help, the outlook for this family of cats would have been so much worse.

"The costs of their treatment added substantially to our branch costs, so I’m hoping my abseil will raise enough funds to cover Demelza’s treatment and help many more unwanted cats too."

To make a donation go to justgiving.com/fundraising/david-manners7 and if you would like to take part in the abseil then e-mail events@cats.org.uk

To give an unwanted cat a home, please contact Cats Protection’s Taunton and Wellington Branch please call 03452 602397 or visit www.cats.org.uk/taunton