Crawley animal sanctuary helps save the life of a cat injured while out looking for love

The ginger tom - Neil - was found seriously injured in a road in East Grinstead and was taken by Sussex Police to a local vets.

They contacted Lola’s Sanctuary Animal Rescue in Three Bridges to see if they would take Neil - and sanctuary founder Poonam Doshi readily agreed.

“We are a small rescue but I would never let an animal be put to sleep,” said Poonam.

She set up an urgent fundraiser via GoFundMe to pay for Neil’s life-saving veterinary treatment - and generous animal lovers were quick to respond to Poonam’s plea: “Please help to give Neil the chance he deserves.”

Neil underwent major surgery on his eye and jaw at Harvest Vets in Maidenbower on Monday and is now on a slow road to recovery.

He is convalescing at the home of one of the sanctuary’s volunteers.

No trace has been found of Neil’s owners. “He’s not microchipped and we have done a number of appeals but no-one has come forward,” said Poonam.

“He is not neutered and we think that he went astray looking for a mate. Neutering is so important for the animal and for owners knowing their animal is safe.”

Poonam’s passion and love for animals led her to set up Lola’s Sanctuary - named after the first cat she cared for - around four years ago.

“We will always strive to do everying we can for animals in our care.

“Any animal that needs support will always be welcome. We never say no.”

The sanctuary is funded by sponsorship of animals in their long-term care, by donations and via Amazon Wish List.

It helps find new homes for animals in need and also provides long-term care for disabled pets.

“Recently we had two blind cats sent out to us from Saudi Arabia,” said Poonam.

See www.lolassanctuary.co.uk