Help Cathy & Lee

Cathy, Lee and their little dog, Missy, are homeless. Despite working hard, the recession and bad luck led them to lose their homes and with nowhere to go, they ended up on the streets. There's no help for them from the council or local charities. They are not claiming any benefits, instead their only income is selling the Big Issue, and with a room at the youth hostel costing £20 a night what little they earn is soon gone. Please give what you can: £2 will get them something to eat, £10 helps pay for food, bus fares or toiletries, £20 will give them a room for 1 night.

We're hoping to raise £500 towards the cost of renting a room, but if we can raise more than this then it will be fantastic. The extra money will go towards paying their deposit, buying for any furnishings or bedding they need, or just helping with food. Anything you can spare will help.

A few months ago Cathy thought she'd be seeing out the winter in a cosy houseboat, but a tragic fire nearly cost her and Lee their lives. Although they escaped, tragically their previous dog was killed and all their possessions (including the last few family photographs they had) were destroyed.

Following an Oxford Mail appeal they were offered a flat, but this offer was then withdrawn, leaving them sleeping on the streets, under the railway bridge, in the Covered Market, and in the youth hostel when they can afford it. Please help them. Even a penny will help them get the money together for a room to rent, allowing them to get back on their feet and get jobs.

Don't let Cathy and Lee be invisible, please help.