The legacy of a south Bucks charity founder is under threat as trustees say that the organisation could close within a year if they don’t receive urgent funding.

Marjorie Nash started Marjorie Nash Cat Rescue in 1994, helping to re-home thousands of cats before her death in August 2013 aged 89.

But Ursula Nash, Marjorie’s daughter who now runs the charity, says that investment has dropped over the past year and they are now at full capacity with around 70 cats and kittens.

Ms Nash said: “It is a nightmare. If we don’t get any money in we will have to close within a year.

“The charity’s been struggling for about a year now and have been surviving off people’s wills.

“We get asked to take in another cat almost every day and now we’re having to turn them away.

“We are spending a lot more money on making the cats healthy and ready to be rehomed than we are getting in.

“My mother would have been horrified with the possibility of the charity folding. We are doing our best but we just cannot get the funds.

“I have always loved cats and we want to continue our work – we feel there is a real need.

“We are very passionate about the animals and we need public support to keep going because we are entirely funded from donations.”

The charity – which is based in Widmer End and has catteries in Amersham and Little Chalfont - estimates that each cat costs around £100 to care for prior to finding a new owner.

The animals need to be vet checked, vaccinated and – if old enough – neutered before they can be rehomed.

You can donate at the charities website (www.marjorienashcatrescue.org.uk) or by emailing info@marjorienashcatrescue.org.uk.

Cheques to the rescue centre should be payable to Marjorie Nash Cat Rescue to 31 Snowdrop Way, Widmer End, High Wycombe, Bucks HP15 6BL.