A caring couple that has helped around 7,500 cats and kittens to get new homes through their charity now need help themselves in order to keep the charity running.

David Walker, 78 and wife Joyce Walker, 72, are founder members of Keswick Pets Lifeline, which they started in 1986.

Joyce said that they have had a terrible few months, due to health issues. David suffered a stroke in November, caused by a clot on his lung and then had a serious virus.

They were given the devastating news that he could have just 24 hours left to live.

Thankfully David has pulled through and is recovering at home.

Joyce has been looking after him, in addition to the animals that they have, but she insists that she will still be there for cats that are in need.

However, with not being able to run their market stall in Keswick, due to coronavirus restrictions, she is concerned about the funding that is needed to run the charity.

It costs around £45,000 a year to run Pets Lifeline, with money needed for fostering, vets fees and expenses at the cattery, such as food and heating.

She said: “As a small charity we are going to be in awful trouble when money runs out.

“We can’t give it up we have to keep going somehow.

“Some cats charities have gone into lockdown but we are still taking them.

“We can’t do market stalls and we can’t run a marathon, we are just stuck.”

Daughter Kathleen Quail is making knitted items, such as baby cardigans, teddy bears and baby blankets in various colours to support the charity.

She is selling them on her Facebook page, with all the money going to Pets Lifeline.

With David’s recent health scare they are practicing stringent social distancing measures, and all items are thoroughly disinfected before they come into the house.

But they are still offering cats for adoption and are still accepting cats and kittens in need of help.

They will need to be left at the gate of their house at 4 Crosthwaite Gardens, Keswick.

Food and bedding donations can also be left outside their property.

People should phone first for a description of the cats that are available for adoption.

If suitable for adoption, there is no minimum amount.

Joyce is available on 017687 73723, or get in touch via the Pets Lifeline Facebook page.