While athletes fight for gold in Rio, there’s someone back home who’s also hoping to smash a personal best.
Felix the Huddersfield Station Cat embarked on a 5k challenge today.
Staff attached a GPS tracker to the Senior Pest Controller’s collar to track her paw-steps.
The puss, whose Facebook page has 80,000 fans from every corner of the world, is hoping to raise cash for sick children’s cause Fairy Bricks - with more than £2,600 already in the bank.
The charity provide Lego sets to children in hospices, and have created a Lego statue of Felix to say thanks.
Her “run” started on Friday morning, although staff say it may be Christmas before she reaches her target due to her fondness for regular naps.
The famous feline is also being supported by Huddersfield’s Pets At Home branch, who have sent a goody bag of treats.
Hundreds of adoring fans have sent well wishes to Felix on Facebook.
Shirley Mitchell wrote to say: “Good luck Floofy for the 5K - make sure your personal trainer is nearby for paw massages and energy boosting treats.
“I don’t care if you’re not able to manage it, just look at how much you have raised simply by being so pawsome, that’s a big enough achievement for one fabulous kitty!”
And Felix has even had well wishes from the Olympic city itself.
Emilie Froge from Rio posted a picture of her cat Jack Sparrow wishing the puss luck in her challenge.
Andy McClements, Customer Experience Manager at the station, said: “Felix has begun her 5K challenge and is very excited about raising money for such a great cause.
“I’m not entirely sure when she’ll reach the 5K mark as there’ll be plenty breaks for catnaps and treat munching, but she’ll be keeping her friends up to date on Facebook.”
