In the center of Andover, there lived a feline legend, a beloved cat named Jess, who for 13 years graced the city’s railway station along with his comforting presence.
Jess’s story started when he was deserted by his earlier house owners who had moved away, leaving the mild cat to seek out solace within the bustling world of Andover station. Little did anybody know that this deserted cat would turn out to be a cherished companion to weary travellers and station employees alike.
As the years unfolded, Jess’s endearing antics and affectionate nature received the hearts of the area people. A Facebook group, aptly named “Jess the Andover station cat,” grew to become a hub for sharing tales of his escapades, attracting greater than 3,000 members. It was by way of this on-line group that the information of Jess’s passing and the need to immortalize his reminiscence unfold like wildfire.
Andy Woods, a 54-year-old Andover resident and former worker of S & J Maddocks, a funeral administrators close to the station, took it upon himself to make sure Jess’s legacy endured. He envisioned a long-lasting tribute—a bronze, life-sized statue of Jess, without end stationed at Andover’s railway hub. With a fundraising aim of £5,000, Andy launched a marketing campaign to show this imaginative and prescient into actuality.
Jess’s legacy lives on, not simply within the hearts of those that adored him but additionally by way of a devoted Just Giving web page that has not too long ago gone reside. The fundraising initiative goals to gather £5,000 to fee a bronze, life-sized statue of the beloved Andover station cat. Amy Goodman, a proficient artist, and a fond admirer of Jess, has graciously agreed to undertake the fee at cost, including a private contact to this heartfelt tribute.
In a considerate choice, the fundraiser opted for Just Giving over Go Fund Me, recognizing that the previous expenses a extra modest 5%, permitting a bigger portion of the donations to contribute on to the trigger. To streamline the method for donors unfamiliar with the Just Giving platform, it’s value noting that the prompt ‘Tip’ on the web page could be adjusted to £1.50, overlaying the operating prices of the web site.
The Just Giving web page, accessible by way of the hyperlink has turn out to be the point of interest for these desirous to contribute to the conclusion of Jess’s statue. The funds raised won’t solely immortalize Jess but additionally be certain that his reminiscence continues to carry consolation to future travellers passing by way of Andover station.
A heartfelt thanks is prolonged to everybody who has performed an element in bringing this initiative to fruition. The generosity and help displayed by the group exhibit the profound affect that Jess had on the lives of those that crossed his path. As the donations proceed to pour in, Jess’s Just Giving web page stands as a testomony to the enduring legacy of a feline buddy who grew to become an integral a part of Andover’s railway station and group.
The outpouring of help from the group was speedy and heartfelt, with donations shortly surpassing the £1,000 mark. On the fundraising web page, Andy shared the sentiment of many: “Jess, as we all know, was a much-loved cat and friend to many. His loss has been felt by many, and the aim of this fundraiser is to ensure that he will always be remembered. So that no weary traveller will ever feel alone, Jess will bid you farewell and welcome you home.”
Despite his grumpy look, Jess was, in reality, a loving and mild soul, all the time prepared for a cuddle or an ear scratch. South Western Railway acknowledged the love from the area people, recognizing the distinctive bond that had shaped between Jess and the travellers passing by way of the station.
As the fundraising efforts proceed, Jess’s reminiscence won’t solely reside on within the hearts of those that knew him but additionally within the type of a long-lasting tribute—a bronze statue that may without end embody the spirit of the beloved Andover station cat. The group’s response demonstrates the profound affect animals can have on our lives, turning a easy railway station right into a place full of fond recollections and the enduring presence of a cat named Jess.
