CAT-CHING up!
Marmie makes it back home
A Maidstone woman sobbed with joy after an emotional reunion with her beloved cat.
Tracy Brewster, of Haydon Close, Barming, launched a campaign to find Marmie after he went missing four months ago.
The 52-year-old never gave up hope and her instincts proved right when she received a call on Tuesday to say he had been found 35 miles away.
“Miracles never happen to me,” Miss Brewster said. “But this is nothing short of a miracle.”
Marmie had been taken to a vet in Merstham, Surrey, and was identified by his microchip.
The 12-year-old cat was found near a motorway by a couple who had no idea there had been a nationwide search.
Miss Brewster, who lost her job as a housekeeper to lead the 24-hour, seven-day-a-week quest to bring Marmie home, said: “As soon as I called his name, he knew who I was. I scooped him up and gave him the biggest cuddle.
“I still can’t believe I’ve found him. It’s the best Christmas present I could have asked for.”
The cat lover was reduced to tears when she spoke about the support from friends and followers on social media, dubbed Marmie’s Army. Miss Brewster said: “There are no words to express how thankful I am. I would never have got through this without them.”
Supporters joined Miss Brewster on a march through Maidstone, displayed posters and cheered her when she completed a 50-mile walk to Essex dressed as Garfield.
The campaign attracted the attention of poet Pam Ayres and Made In Chelsea star Lucy Watson who tweeted about the appeal.
Thousands of people congratulated Miss Brewster when she posted the news on Facebook, with many saying they cried with happiness.
Miss Brewster said Marmie, whose full name is Marmalade, has settled back into life at home. She said: “He slept on my bed but I couldn’t sleep a wink as I couldn’t stop cuddling him.
“He’s lost half his body weight but the most important thing is that he’s back where he belongs.
“I’m going to be making up for lost time with plenty of cuddles.”
Miss Brewster said Mike and Jane Lille, who found Marmie, had turned down the £1,100 reward. She plans to donate the money to a cat charity.
In a posting on the campaign’s Facebook page, the Surrey couple wrote: “Seeing you reunited with him was wonderful.
“We are so pleased to have ended your nightmare and wish you both all the best.”