A PLAQUE has been installed at Tonbridge Station in memory of the much-loved station cat Sapphie, who passed away last month from cancer.
The tribute was erected by Southeastern staff on platform three, outside the station master’s office where the piebald liked to sleep.
They have also handed £900 to the local stray cats charity StreetKatz in Sapphie’s memory.
Giving the 10-year-old her full name, the tribute reads ‘In Loving Memory of Sapphire, Tonbridge Station cat 2007-18’ and is signed ‘Love always, Tonbridge staff xx’.
It includes a poem by an anonymous writer:
‘If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, we’d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.’
Sapphire, who used to live on Barden Road, chose the transport hub as her home after her owners moved out of the town – they said she would not want to leave.
She soon became a favourite of Southeastern staff and passengers alike, sleeping in the station master’s office or basking on the platforms.
Sapphie was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 10 and a crowdfunding campaign was set up to pay for her veterinary bills, which raised the required target within eight hours.
Sadly, her illness had advanced to such a stage that the vet said she should be put down.
The funds raised have been sent to StreetKatz, which helps to rescue and find new homes for cats who are found on the streets.
A Southeastern spokesman said: ‘Sapphie the cat adopted Tonbridge Station as her final home after being left homeless through no fault of her own.
‘The cat became a regular sight both for passengers and staff alike from greeting passengers along the platform to ‘helping’ in the station ticket office.
‘An incredible £900 was raised to help treat her but sadly, she was too poorly to survive and with the remaining money a plaque has been erected to ensure her memory lives on and a donation made to StreetKatz.’
He added: ‘Kate, the owner of the charity, was in awe of the generosity of everyone as they are only a small business and funding it is very hard for them.
‘We are delighted to have been able to help Kate at Streetkatz to rehome cats – just like Sapphie rehomed to us at Tonbridge station.’
To find out more about the charity, visit www.streetkatzrescue.com
