WILLOW the kitten is coming on leaps and bounds in two short weeks since her life-changing surgery – and it is all thanks to generous Bolton residents.

The four-month-old tabby was found as a stray with a broken pelvis by Lisa Edwards, owner of Queens Park Vets in Chorley New Road three weeks ago.

Since then people have been donating money to her cause after a surgeon said he would perform the operation free of charge, as long as his expenses of £1,000 were paid.

Don Sheahan from Dogwood Vets carried out the operation — which would normally cost £2,500 — on April 2, and despite it being a very serious procedure for a young kitten, she is recovering well under the care of vet owner Mrs Edwards.

She said: "Willow is doing fantastically well — I can't believe it's only been just over two weeks since her surgery.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone who has donated.

"The money donated online and donations from the practice have reached about £600, and another donor has said they will pay the rest."

Initially Willow was going to be re-homed, but Mrs Edwards plans to keep her so she receives the right care she needs as she grows up.

Mrs Edwards said: "I think we're going to keep her because she is going to need extra care in the next few years and I don't want her to go to someone who has all the good will in the world, but is then not be able to keep up with any treatment she needs.

"I will be giving her some joint supplements from now on just to help her as she grows up. She is not a cheap option like a normal moggy, she will need extra help.

"She is so happy walking about the surgery — it's amazing to think that she had her pelvis literally put back together just two weeks ago.

"Sadly she won't be able to be insured because she has a pre-existing injury, but it highlights the importance of pet insurance because it could happen to any cat or dog that plays out."