Stamshaw teenager will brave the shave for Little Princess Trust and raise funds for animal rescue centre where her two cats came from

Proud cat owner Elisha Straw will be taking on this challenge on June 1 to give back to the Cat and Rabbit Rescue Centre, a small charity which finds home for 1,000 animals each year.

Elisha, from Stamshaw, got her two cats Avery and Payton from the centre around four years ago and has always been a strong supporter of animal adoption.

The 17-year-old, who became vegetarian last year as a personal challenge, said: ‘When we went there it was quite obvious they were a small charity and relied quite heavily on donations and volunteers than the larger animal charities.’

Alongside fundraising, Elisha will be donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust which makes wigs for young people and children experiencing hair loss.

Havant College student Elisha said: ‘I’m fortunate enough to have hair and I can grow it and do whatever I want with it while other people for chemotherapy and other reasons have to have very short hair and have no choice.

‘If my hair can help somebody else feel a bit more happy and comfortable then why not?’

Elisha’s initial goal of £200 has already been beaten, with £275 already donated towards the fund thanks to the kindness of friends and family.

Elisha, whose parents put up posters at their workplaces to encourage donations, said: ‘Within about 48 hours I’d hit my target, it was amazing. I had no idea if anyone was going to donate.’

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The Cat and Rabbit Rescue Centre in Sidlesham is currently caring for around 130 cats, rabbits and guinea pigs, and is running a fundraising campaign called Caellum’s Fund.

Laura Crickmore, animal care admin officer, said: ‘We are so amazed by Elisha’s kind gesture and we can’t thank her enough for what she is doing.

‘We are thrilled to be supported by someone so young who understands the importance of animal rescue.

‘The money she has raised will make a significant difference to the Cat and Rabbit Rescue Centre and the animals in our care, especially after the tough last year we have had.’

Visit crrc.co.uk to find out more, or visit gofund.me/89167540 to donate to Elisha’s fundraiser.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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