Gwen Cooper, the bestselling author whose works include Homer’s Odyssey, the true story of a blind abandoned kitten, paid a surprise visit at the weekend to New Start Cat Rescue in Malswick near Newent having read about the work undertaken by the charity to re-home five blind kittens.

The Manhattan-based author, and her husband, Laurence, spent an hour with volunteers and the cats and kittens being cared for at the centre.

“It’s always such a pleasure to hear from rescuers in general, but it’s a particular pleasure to hear from rescuers like you, and to read about other blind kittens who’ve been lucky enough to find people like you,” said Gwen.

New Start’s tireless efforts to re-home domestic, feral and any cat with special needs came to the attention of Gwen when she was contacted by volunteer Samantha Green. Sam had read all three of Gwen’s inspiring novels and knew she empathised with their work. She wrote to Gwen and was delighted when she wrote back and said she would like to visit.

Samantha said:?“She was very supportive of our work and the challenges of finding new premises that will serve the future needs of our charity and our beloved cats.”

The main aim of the charity is to rescue unwanted and abandoned cats and kittens, domestic and feral, and find them new homes. The centre homes around 60 cats each month in Gloucestershire and surrounding areas, and is currently looking for new premises near Newent.