Nicola and Lee Bennett, who live in Ross-on-Wye, stumbled across New Start Cat Rescue’s charity home in Huntley last year, and their lives have changed ever since. There, they met Jackie Bahooshy and some of the many cats and kittens rescued by the volunteers.

Within a month, they began fostering nervous kittens and building up their confidence ready to find new homes. They began taking on two at a time, and with lots of love, food and affection, they were successfully re-homed very quickly.

As time went on, they fostered more and more, and they currently have four living at their home.

Nicola told the Ross Gazette: “It’s such a rewarding thing to do. It’s so amazing to see your once nervous kitten turn into a confident cat, and finally be able to find them a loving forever family.”

Lee told the Ross Gazette that his heart condition often means he is unable to work, and fostering New Start’s kittens is an enjoyable, rewarding experience that gives him a sense of purpose. Not always able to drive to the charity itself, fostering kittens in need has become the perfect way for the couple to do their bit from their own home. They both hope that their story will inspire other people to consider fostering kittens.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.