Tears of joy for South Shore cat rescue team after donations flood in following break-in

Tender Paws on Lytham Road faced paying bills of more than £600 after the rear door of the shop was broken into.

The shop’s owner Chrissie Meryem has thanked those who have donated their time and services to help repair the door.

Beverley Scrannage, who owns Window Fix Repairs Ltd with her husband David, saw the Gazette article online and knew she had to help out.

Their business has supplied and fitted a new secure door free of charge.

Beverley said: “I like to help smaller, local charities that are struggling to get as many donations as larger, national organisations.

“It’s our aim to give local charities a little extra help that they may need during difficult times by donating our goods and services.”

Another couple also donated the £228 it cost to have the door secured after the incident.

Chrissie, who works seven days a week in the shop, said she cried when everyone started to help out.

She said: “I just want to thank everyone.

“It was tears of joy more than anything and all of the local tradesmen who have helped out have been brilliant.

“We love them for it.”

Chrissie gave Beverley a bouquet of flowers as a thank you gift for her donation.

The door was split in half during the incident on June 27.

The two youths that broke the door didn’t manage to get into the shop itself as police arrived within minutes.

No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

The shop has been open for 20 months and solely funds itself for the rescue, fostering and rehoming of cats across Blackpool.

Tender Paws does not have a charity status currently.

In order to gain charity status the fundraising shop needs to raise £5,000 to apply for it.

The staff are volunteers and all of the money raised in the shop goes to the rescue, fostering and rehoming of cats on the Fylde coast.

The shop is happy to accept donations of clothes, furniture and other household items.