A ginger cat from Eastham has spent the past few years comforting grieving families on one of the most difficult days of their lives.

Paddy, the 10-year-old puss, has been making daily trips to the Co-op Funeralcare’s Mayfields Remembrance Park, a short walk from his home.

Once there, Paddy spends his days providing a soothing presence to mourners before returning home to his owners each evening.

Owner Stuart said: “The burial ground is about a five-minute walk, and Paddy will head off there most days after his breakfast.

Wirral Globe: Mayfields Woodland Memorial Park in Eastham is where Paddy patrols the cemetery and funeral room to comfort the visitorsMayfields Woodland Memorial Park in Eastham is where Paddy patrols the cemetery and funeral room to comfort the visitors

“He’s a very calm and gentle cat, and we’ve heard lovely stories of how him being there has helped people cope during a difficult day.

“He’s very committed to his day job, and sometimes if it’s 6.00pm and he’s not home I will jump in the car and drive down to the burial ground.

“I open the car door and call his name and he’ll come running and jump in, ready to go home for his tea.”

Paddy will attend services if requested by grieving relatives where he will often be found settled on the front row or sitting alongside grieving families with a comforting purr as they pay their final respects.

Wirral Globe: Paddy with Yvonne Parry, Funeral Director, Mayfields Remembrance ParkPaddy with Yvonne Parry, Funeral Director, Mayfields Remembrance Park

Now Paddy has made it as a finalist in the Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards 2021 in the category for Most Caring Cat.

Winners will be selected by celebrity judges - comedian Bob Mortimer, funnyman Russell Kane and actress Tuppence Middleton, while the fourth category will be announced by entrepreneur Deborah Meaden following a public vote.

After category winners are announced online on Thursday, August 5, an overall winner will be selected as National Cat of the Year by a celebrity panel and announced on Thursday, August 12.

Awards organiser Kate Bunting said: “Now more than ever, the nation’s pet cats play a hugely important role in the lives of their owners – whether it’s providing a soothing presence in worrying times, companionship for people living or working alone, or a fun and caring playmate for children.

Wirral Globe: Paddy the cat, who was nominated for the Cats Protection National Cat Awards, as most caring cat, for his work at the Mayfields Woodland Memorial Park in EasthamPaddy the cat, who was nominated for the Cats Protection National Cat Awards, as most caring cat, for his work at the Mayfields Woodland Memorial Park in Eastham

“We are absolutely delighted to be returning with the National Cat Awards this year so we can share some of these inspirational, heart-warming and amazing stories from the cat world.”

Winners in four categories - Most Caring Cat, Furr-ever Friends, Outstanding Rescue Cat and Purina Better Together - will receive a trophy, a £100 pet store voucher, a year’s subscription to Cats Protection’s The Cat magazine and a three months’ supply of Purina cat food.