A cat foster carer is set to take part in the Oxford Half Marathon in support of a cat charity to celebrate her 50th birthday.

Claire Onody, a volunteer with Cherwell Cats Protection, is preparing for the 13.1-mile run in October.

Ms Onody, who has fostered almost 60 cats, said: "This is my third half marathon, but the last one was eight years ago.

"It’s my 50th birthday later this month and I’ve fostered over 50 cats, so I decided I needed to set myself a challenge, so I am doing the Oxford Half in October and if that goes ok I’m going to do Bath Half next spring."

She has set herself a £500 fundraising target for the charity, and has so far received £125 through her Just Giving page.

Two of the cats she cares for, Belle and Jude, are ready to be re-homed.

Cherwell Cats Protection cat BelleCherwell Cats Protection cat Belle (Image: Cherwell Cats Protection)

Those interested in adopting seven-month-old Belle and her brother can contact the charity by emailing enquiries@cherwell.cats.org.uk or by calling 01869908308.

Cherwell Cats Protection, formed in 2006 and run by a small team of volunteers, works to improve the lives of cats and kittens in the Cherwell area covering Banbury, Bicester, Brackley, Chipping Norton and the surrounding communities.

It rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes lost, unwanted and abandoned cats and kittens in the Cherwell Valley.