Faye Kennerley - Manager

Faye began volunteering with Oldham Cats in 2001 and became the manager in 2010. There's a good chance that if you've visited the rescue, you've met our Faye! She is literally in the DNA of this place.

On top of the normal daily cleaning duties, Faye manages the intake of cats as well as their vet visits, neuter appointments and microchip registrations. Basically any and all aspects of what goes into running the rescue. Faye has a particular affinity to the more hard to reach cats, the ones that really don't want to accept help. She finds a way to connect with them and make them feel safe in a way nobody else can, in the end, they are powerless to resist. This lady is the definition of dedication and compassion, not only does she care for every cat that comes through this rescue, but she also fosters a feeling of family and community amongst all the volunteers and visitors. The rescue team as a whole is amazing, but there has to be a thread that ties it all together - and that thread is Faye. The care and devotion doesn't stop when she leaves the rescue, as Faye is a full-time carer, and shares her home with 11 cats and 2 dogs.

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Davina Hanes
Deputy manager & Kitten adoption co-ordinator

Our deputy manager, Davina is one of the faces of the rescue that you all know and love, and has been a loyal Oldham cats servant for over 20 years. She is the ultimate cat lover, and her love of cats is matched only by her knowledge and devotion. She has hand reared countless litters and long-term fostered cats that nobody would even consider. Whether you see a street cat with one eye, or a pedigree champion, Davina treats them all with the same love and dedication.

Alongside hands on volunteering, and hours of work at home matching kittens to adopters, Davina is a published author, having written a Trilogy of books based around the adventures of some of her brood - The little Jack trilogy. All proceeds from Little Jack's books were given to the rescue and this then inspired a new fundraising arm. Little Jacks stall now travels around the local area selling quirky cat collectables and allowing Davina to connect with other cat lovers and spread the word about our beloved rescue!

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Samantha Fahmy - Chairwoman of trustees

Back in 2003, Sam was looking for a way to honour the memory of her lovely mother and she decided to sponsor a cat called 'Chippie' at Oldham cats. She visited the cat regularly and that meaningful and personal connection to the cats grew over time. In 2010 Sam had the opportunity to fundraise for the rescue for the first time by knitting and sewing baby items for a haberdashery shop with all the proceeds being donated. It was so successful that Sam couldn't keep up with demand, and it was from there she caught the fundraising bug! During this time Sam met Sylvia who was the fundraising secretary at the time and a beautiful bond was formed. When our beloved Sylvia stepped down from her role, It was Sam that she recommended to succeed her. Ever since then, Sam has thrown herself into fundraising, with market stalls and multiple events, the value that she has brought can never be calculated (although Carolyn may try!) The resident cats are Sam's true passion and she has made them world famous on our TikTok page! Her devotion to them, and the rescue is obvious the moment you meet Sam, and it all came from sponsoring one single cat for her mum. She is part of the lifeblood of Oldham Cats, her participation allows us to give these cats the second chances we believe they deserve.

Carolyn Legate - Treasurer

Carolyn joined Oldham Cats as a volunteer in September 2021 and was soon doing 2 days a week. Carolyn didn't have huge experience with cats, but after only 2 months volunteering her heart was stolen by a feisty little grey tabby cat - ever since then, Misty has been ruling their house. We realised pretty quickly that this hard working and capable lady had an incredible head for figures, so we soon roped her into more admin and spreadsheet work - and in 2023 she became our treasurer. She has a reputation of being our chief cage juggler - she knows which cat or litter needs to move when and where and how we can squeeze in one more cat!

Its been amazing to see Carolyn's confidence grow in terms of caring for cats. She has witnessed kittens being born, and held the ones that didn't make it while they drifted away. In so many ways she has made herself indispensable to the workings of this rescue. And, if there is a snazzy tabby hiding at the back of the cage, that's where you'll find her - those are her favorites!