A woman from South Cumbria has taken on a swim challenge to help two badly injured cats and is still trying to raise funds to make up for the cost of their treatment.

Kerry Moran, 52, from Staveley, is the branch fundraising manager for RSPCA Westmorland.

She took on the Great North Swim Challenge 2024 on June 8 in which she swam one mile in Windermere and raised £300 - this is less than half of the full cost however.

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Kerry said: "I love cats and have been helping them in the rescue as a volunteer and now as a career for around 15 years. 

"I also love the freedom of swimming in the lake in all weathers and competing in the Great North Swim was always one of my goals. 

"The weather on the day of my challenge made the conditions quite difficult.

"It was tough going but all I had in my mind was raising money to treat the two badly injured cats that had recently come into our care and needed emergency vet treatment."

(Image: RSPCA Westmorland) Salem the cat was recently reported to the branch by a concerned member of the public in the Kendal area.

Staff set a humane trap to catch him and after three days managed to take him to Highgate Vets for treatment.

He had a horrific facial wound on his face which may have been caused by fighting with other cats - which is common in unneutered males.

He has since been castrated, microchipped and treated for fleas and worms.

Luckily the woman who first reported him has also offered to foster him until he is well enough to be re-homed. 

The second cat was Maisie who turned up in a woman's garden with a kitten in Windermere.

(Image: RSPCA Westmorland) She had a very injured leg and wasn't microchipped.

Sadly, no-one appeared to be missing her and her leg could not be saved so it was amputated.

Maisie has since been spayed, microchipped and went to a new home at the weekend.  

Kerry added: "As a small local branch, we are self-funded and do not receive any support from the national RSPCA. 

"To treat both cats it has cost us £650. My challenge was to raise £500 to help pay for Maisie and Salem's treatment but it would be wonderful if I could reach the full £650."

People can donate on the Give as You Live page or you can donate £2 per month here.