Former England goalkeeper David Seaman and his wife Frankie, a former ice skater, have helped judge the National Cat Awards, which celebrate extraordinary felines from across the country. The couple, who have three rescue cats of their own, were particularly taken by this year's winners, Void and Fizz.
Cat-Loving Judges
David, 62, and Frankie, 53, live in rural Berkshire with their three Cats Protection rescues: 13-year-old Willow and two-year-old sisters Coco and Candy. They sadly lost their fourth cat, 18-year-old Smokey, at the end of July.
“We love having cats, they’re so curious and funny and affectionate,” says David. “It’s great to come home and have them greet us at the gate and settle in with us in whichever room we end up in the house.”
Frankie's Fostering Work
Frankie, who spent 35 years as a professional ice skater, now fosters pregnant cats and kittens at the family home, which has a dedicated feline nursery. She has been rescuing cats since before she started school.
“She is extraordinarily experienced in caring for the most vulnerable animals and the work she does saves lives,” says David proudly. Frankie adds: “I always say rescue never sleeps, and that’s particularly true in the case of orphaned kittens. There are cases where hand-reared kittens will need feeding every hour day and night for weeks. But it’s so rewarding to be able to save them and give them a chance at life.”
Void: A Lifesaving Companion
Void won the Incredible Cats category for his ability to predict when his owner Laura Welch, 28, is about to have a seizure. Laura has Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia, which causes dizziness and an abnormally high resting heart rate. When an episode is about to strike, Void stands on her chest and taps her with his paw.
“I have no idea how Void does it but he’s never once been wrong!” she says. Laura, from Shepperton, Surrey, recalls how Void once insisted she go to bed before she had a seizure that cracked three teeth. “I remember the only reason I was in bed was because of him,” she says.
Frankie says: “To have a companion who not only comforts you but physically helps you in a time of need is an absolute life saver. Sometimes people just see pets as pets and don’t always get to hear about the extraordinary bonds that can develop.”
Fizz: Community Hero
Ginger tomcat Fizz was named National Cat of the Year for bringing joy to his community in Llandrindod Wells, Powys. He is a constant presence in the town, from the newsagents to the theatre, library and gym, and has even been called to run for mayor.
Owner Briony Loder, 59, set up a Facebook page to find him when he first went exploring, earning him the nickname Fizz Wanderer. “The stories we hear from folks are priceless. He once gate-crashed a wedding and ended up in the photos. He put a halt to the British outdoor bowling championship semi-finals by strolling onto the green, and he’s been appointed assistant director by the local theatre company as he attends all their rehearsals!”
David says Fizz was “at the other end of the scale” to Void in terms of how cats can make an impact. “Bringing together an entire community and bringing joy and connection to so many people,” he adds. “We felt that was truly worth celebrating.”
