Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee – Eileen Colclough

Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee – Eileen Colclough

Eileen Colclough is out at all times of day and in all weathers to rescue the stray and feral cat population of Stoke-on-Trent.

The 43-year-old, from Bucknall, has already rescued more than 100 cats in the first half of 2025.

Everything is self-funded or paid for by Eileen’s own fundraising through her Eyes Cats Facebook page, which has more than 700 members and documents her work.

It all started five years ago, when Eileen paid for vet’s treatment for someone else’s cat shortly after losing her own pet dog.

Another cat arrived on her doorstep shortly afterwards, then a litter of feral cats and she was hooked.

“It started off with just me and now there are two of us plus some friends who help me out when I need it,” she said.

“The first cat I picked up was five years ago. I’d lost my dog the week before and I’d never had a cat myself before then. I could see something was wrong so I took her to the vet and they wanted to put her to sleep. Because of what I’d just been through with my dog I couldn’t do that to someone else’s cat.”

Eileen paid for pneumonia treatment for the three-year-old cat.

“From there another cat turned up that looked like it had been shot in the middle of the forehead. I got him treated and he’s since moved in.

“Then there were some kittens that I couldn’t get a rescue centre to take on. There was no way I was putting kittens back out on the streets. That’s where it all started.”

After rescuing cats and kittens Eileen pays for medical treatment and then tries to find new homes, either directly or through rescue centres.

She has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Suzanne Andrews.

Suzanne said: “Eileen is out in all weathers, in areas with lots of feral cats and responding to the public trapping feral cats, having them neutered and either releasing them or finding homes if they are suitable for rehoming.

“She also gets them treated for parasites, injuries and illnesses where necessary. All of this is on an entirely voluntary basis, relying on donated food and money from donations and tombolas, raffles etc.

“I cannot stress enough how much this lady does with the help of friends and well-wishers. She never says no and goes out of her way to help any cat reported to her which is in need.

“This is a service which is greatly needed in the city of Stoke-on-Trent. I never realised the extent of the problem until I heard about her. She is a true hero.”

Eileen added: “I’ve never done this to be noticed but it’s nice to know that you’re noticed, that people can see what you’re doing. Being nominated like this gives you a sense of pride.”