Tributes have been paid to a feline phenomenon, Felix the Huddersfield Railway Station cat, who has died on the age of 12.
Felix was born on May 17 2011 and joined the TransPennine Express crew at Huddersfield six weeks later, spending nearly all of her life ‘on duty’ on the station. She was later promoted to Senior Pest Controller.
After changing into a worldwide icon, social media sensation and fluffy fundraising pressure, Felix handed away peacefully on December 3 after the invention of a terminal sickness.
Felix was humanely put to sleep after the invention of tumours which led to medical issues. Huddersfield station supervisor Angie Hunte and crew chief Jacqui Cox had been along with her as she gently handed away.
Angie stated: “Felix was greater than a cat; she was a beloved member of our station household and left her paw prints on many commuters’ hearts as they handed by the station.
“Her presence brought smiles to visitors from around the world, making Huddersfield Station a special place. We will miss her dearly.”
Angie Hunt with Bolt, Felix’s young apprentice, and Felix (beneath).
Felix’s exceptional web fame started in 2015 when commuter, Alan Hind, encountered the pleasant feline throughout his day by day travels between Huddersfield and Manchester.
Alan created a Facebook page for Felix, and when workers on the station promoted Felix to Senior Pest Controller along with her very personal identify badge and high-vis vest, it shortly went viral, accumulating 100K followers by the tip of 2016.
Her reputation since then has transcended the Pennines with guests from world wide making pilgrimages to Huddersfield solely to satisfy Felix. Her Facebook web page receives greater than 24 million views yearly.
Felix’s fame was not solely a supply of pleasure but additionally a pressure for good. Felix and her junior recruit, Bolt, who joined as Felix’s apprentice in 2018, have taken half in a calendar annually and have additionally been featured in two books, elevating greater than £240,000 for charitable causes.
Huddersfield artist Rob Martin (pictured beneath) twice immortalised Felix with particular portraits, certainly one of her in Bronte interval costume in 2016 which went on show on the station and later carrying a 2018-19 Huddersfield Town Premier League package.
In 2019 TransPennine Express named a Class 68 locomotive in her honour.
Angie added: “We understand that many people will want to honour Felix’s memory. We kindly encourage those wishing to fundraise or donate to consider buying the latest 2024 Felix and Bolt annual calendar instead.”
TPE has requested that Felix followers chorus from visiting the station and go away their expressions of sympathy on-line through the Felix and Bolt Facebook web page memorial put up.
There isn’t any official TPE fundraiser for Felix’s passing – a becoming memorial will likely be organized sooner or later. TPE kindly asks that prospects and followers of Felix keep away from donating to any fundraisers they could see on-line in her honour as they can’t guarantee the proceeds will go in direction of a Felix permitted charity.
The 2024 Felix and Bolt calendar will likely be available this week and marketed on the Felix and Bolt Facebook page.
Since the announcement of Felix’s passing, hundreds of well-wishers, followers and commuters have already left messages of condolence.
Felix and her household on the station additionally had a wonderful sense of humour too and Alan and Felix teamed up with Huddersfield Hub for a few April Fool’s Day spoofs. RIP, Felix. Thanks for the recollections and like to all her mates and followers.
