Appeal to help save a purrfect pet cat

Charlie Rycroft with her cat Baggy Bagpuss at home at Glenton Street EMN-160405-170403009

Charlene Rycroft (47) has set up the appeal to get vital medical attention for her Baggy Bagpuss. She has had Baggy as a pet for 12 years, after picking him up when he was a kitten.

But now he is suffering from a heart murmur and thyroid problems, and needs an operation.

However, the procedure, which is planned to take place at a Nottingham vets, will cost more than £2,000, which Charlene, who is on disability benefits, said she cannot afford.

Charlie Rycroft with her cat Baggy Bagpuss at home at Glenton Street EMN-160405-170427009

Charlene, of Glenton Street, Peterborough, said: “When I first got Baggy, he was just a kitten, and didn’t come from a very nice home. All my cats came from the same home.

“I have four cats in total and they are my life. They keep me sane, and give me a reason to get up.Baggy is such a friendly cat.

“Baggy became very ill with a thyroid problem late last year.

“He has had a number of treatments, but the best way to treat him now will be with radioactive iodine therapy.

“If he does not have the treatment, then I will have to think about putting him to sleep. I don’t want to consider doing that, as my cats mean so much to me.”

Baggy has been diagnosed with goiters - swelling in the thyroid gland - which need to be removed.

Charlene has received help from a charity fund set up on Facebook.

The fund, Artic’s Legacy, was set up by Melvyn and Mitsy Jago to help their dog, a husky who was suffering from cancer – and they are now backing Charlene’s campaign.

The appeal has already helped raise money for a number of procedures, but more money is still needed for the crucial care.

She said: “They have been incredible in offering the support for me.

“The fund was originally set up for dogs, and Baggy is the first cat to be helped by the fund.

“Melvyn and Mitsy have been so supportive. Even when my dad died, they were there to help out.

“They have become very close friends over the last few months.

“I don’t know what I would have done without them. I don’t think I would still have Baggy.

“I can’t thank them enough for the support they have given.”

To help boost the appeal to help Baggy, a crowdfunding page has been set up to raise the money needed for the surgery.

To donate, or to find out more information about Baggy, visit https://www.gofundme.com/q6v6seb8

For more information about Artic’s legacy, visit https://www.facebook.com/ArticsLegacy