Pet foster carer

Rachel Brearley, from West Yorkshire, volunteers as a foster scheme coordinator and carer. The 38-year-old runs a livery stable and has eight Blue Cross cat chalets. The mum of two says: “My cat chalets are a family affair: my dad keeps the chalets clean, and my mum, sons and I spend as much time with the cats as we can. I also write profiles of the pets available for rehoming and speak with potential adopters. So many cats are looking for a permanent, loving home and to be the person that finds that for them is just such a lovely feeling.

“The cat I remember most from 2008 is Reggie – a thin, elderly cat who came to me covered in oil from living under a lorry. After several baths, plenty of food and a steroid injection, Reggie has found a loving new home.”