A CAT LOVER will take part in a mighty challenge next year to raise money for an animal welfare charity.

Claire Onody, from Bicester, will canoe the Zambezi river in Africa in three days to raise cash for Cats Protection.

The 44-year-old, who is a full-time fosterer and fundraiser with the branch in Bicester, needs to raise a minimum of £4,800 over the next year in order to take part.

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To achieve this she has a programme of fundraising events planned in the Cherwell area and would also like local businesses or individuals to consider sponsoring her.

She said: “As one of the oldest participants, I’m very determined because I know the money raised from this event will be a vital contribution to the important work the charity does.”

Cherwell Cats Protection covers Bicester, Banbury, Brackley and Kidlington as well as surrounding areas, bringing unwanted cats and kittens for rehoming and running a neutering programme in conjunction with local vets.

Mrs Onody will be canoeing on the Zambezi next August – which is the fourth longest river in Africa - alongside 23 other cat lovers.

The river runs through six countries including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola and Botswana.

Each night she will camp in tents on the river bank or on small islands.

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After completing her challenge, she will travel to Livingstone, the home of Victoria Falls, where she will stay for two nights to learn about a lion conservation project and join four safari drives to try to spot lions in the wild, along with other wild animals.

She said she is looking forward to the experience particularly seeing lions but is less enthusiastic about camping and the lack of bathroom facilities.

She said: "My husband Ryan has been very supportive and helped me out at all the fundraising events to date."

Fundraising events that Mrs Onody has organised include cake sales, pub quizzes and she is also creating a cat calendar for people to buy.

Cherwell Cats Protection allows people to sponsor a cat for a minimum of £6 a month which pays for the care of a cat in the local area.

Sponsors will receive monthly updates about their progress and follow their journey to finding a 'forever family'.

To sponsor Mrs Onody go to publicity@cherwell.cats.org.uk