Housebuilder lends helping paw to Norfolk cat rescue charity

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Andrea Lay, right, and Alice Steggles from Barratt Homes presenting a cheque to Meryl Marshall, Trustee at Venture Farm Cat Rescue, 2nd left and volunteer Simon Purcell, at Mattishall, Norfolk.

An East Anglian housebuilder has donated £1,500 to an animal rescue charity to help support its work rehabilitating and rehoming cats and kittens.

Norwich-based Barratt and David Wilson Homes Anglia made the donation to Venture Farm Cat Rescue to cover the costs of food, veterinary care and general upkeep of the charity’s shelter in Mattishall.

Founded in 1997, the charity is run by a dedicated team of volunteer trustees, supported by a network of helpers. In 2024 alone, the shelter successfully found new homes for more than 300 cats and kittens.

Meryl Marshall, Trustee at Venture Farm Cat Rescue, said: “We do our best to help as many cats in need as we can, and every cat that comes into our care receives a full health check, flea treatment, and is microchipped to ensure they get the best possible start with us.

“Donations like this enable us to support even more cats and kittens by helping to cover the ongoing costs of food, litter, repairs and vet bills. 

One of the recue cats at Venture Farm Cat Rescue, Mattishall, Norfolk.

“We were delighted to hear that we’d been nominated to receive a donation from Barratt and David Wilson Homes – it means so much to us that our hard work has been recognised.”

While many cats are eventually rehomed, the centre also provides a permanent sanctuary for elderly or nervous cats that cannot be adopted, with specially designed enclosures tailored to their needs.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ donation was made as part of its Community Fund scheme via The Barratt Foundation, which is run by its parent company, Barratt Redrow.

It is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates.

Meryl added: “Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ Community Fund scheme is fantastic and it’s a great way for staff to nominate a charity they want to support in the local area. 

Andrea Lay, left, and Alice Steggles, centre, from Barratt Homes meeting presenting a cheque to Meryl Marshall, Trustee at Venture Farm Cat Rescue, at Mattishall, Norfolk.

“Small charities, especially those like us which are run entirely by volunteers, rely on the kindness and support of the community.”

Simon Wood, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Anglia, said: “Venture Farm Cat Rescue plays a crucial role in rescuing and rehabilitating cats and kittens in need, and we are honoured to support its valuable work.

“The commitment of its volunteers to animal welfare is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the continued positive impact they have on the lives of so many cats and the people who care for them.”

For more information on Venture Farm Cat Rescue, see here.

For more on Barratt and David Wilson Homes Anglia, see here.