Mayhew’s relationship with local school gets ‘royal seal of approval’, as The Duchess of Sussex meets kittens discovered in Head’s shed
When North Bridge House Nursery Head Teacher Christine McLelland discovered a litter of stray kittens and their mum in her garden shed last November, she called Mayhew for help – a lucky decision which resulted in Christine (and the kittens!) enjoying a royal audience with HRH The Duchess of Sussex earlier this year!
- Back in November 2018, Ms McLelland was in her garden with her dog Fritz, when the Schnauzer alerted her to a rather unexpected surprise in the shed.
- A stray cat had recently given birth there, and a litter of kittens were now living amongst her possessions.
- Ms McLelland contacted Mayhew immediately, and our Animal Welfare Officers called round to collect the kittens and their mum, and bring them into our care.
After sharing the news of her exciting discovery with the pupils at her school, Ms McLelland was keen to update the children on the kittens’ progress, and kept in touch. Year 1 Hazel Class asked if they could name the litter, and Mayhew were more than happy to look after “Leo, Percy, Sasha, Mia and Tiger-Lily” until they were ready to find their forever homes!
The children then decided to fundraise for Mayhew through a series of pupil-led events, book and toy sales, and have also invited our Animal Welfare Officers down to the school to give a talk in assembly.
Shortly afterwards, Mayhew revealed that The Duchess of Sussex had become Mayhew’s first Royal Patron, and saw an opportunity to repay the school’s kindness and interest. Mayhew invited Ms McLelland down to our Home to meet The Duchess on HRH’s first official visit, to talk about her unexpected discovery and the children’s ongoing interest in the kittens and animal welfare.
As previously mentioned, The Duchess was very keen to meet representatives from our community outreach projects and initiatives, and Mayhew couldn’t wait to share the news about our very special relationship with North Bridge House Nursery.
The kittens themselves also met HRH as she took a tour of our Home, and received their very own ‘royal seal of approval’ from The Duchess – who declared them to be “so sweet”.
Ms McLelland described in turn how excited she was to meet Her Royal Highness, and how happy she was that her school’s relationship with Mayhew has provided such a positive project for her pupils to be involved with.
She said “The story of the kittens has absolutely captivated our children. They’ve gained so much from seeing the kittens flourish, and now they also have an understanding of the work and done by Mayhew. That our care and joy also had a place in the Duchess’s first official visit to Mayhew was the icing on the cake – it was an honour to meet her. She was so well informed and showed a real passion for the charity’s work, and Mayhew also look forward to continuing our relationship with Mayhew.”
The kittens and their Mum were in all in a good condition when they were found, so after their short stay with the charity (being fussed over by staff as well as royalty!) Mayhew are glad to say they have all now found loving homes to go to.
To see Mayhew’s other animals who are still searching for their forever families, please visit their adoption pages here.
What a great story. So glad the adorable kittens have found loving forever homes.
Adorable kitties!
Sweeties!
Well done to the kids for their fund raising efforts. Adorable kittens, so pleased they were found by such a caring lady.
Thanks so much for coming to visit us last week and bringing so many goodies for our kitties! ?
You are most welcome 🙂
The Duchess should have adopted at least one royal kitten!
What beautiful kittens!
Thanks 🙂