Defib appeal to celebrate ambulance station cat

A community defibrillator fundraiser has begun to remember a "very friendly and therapeutic" cat named Defib which moved into an ambulance station in east London 18 years ago.

Defib lived at Walthamstow Ambulance Station, after being rescued by paramedics as a kitten in 2008 and "adored by them ever since".

In 2024, the cat was faced with eviction from his home but this was overturned after more than 62,000 people signed an online petition.

Posting online, those behind the original petition said it was with "heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Defib," and thanked supporters for allowing their feline friend to spend his last years "with his family".

Edward, who used to work at the ambulance station previously told BBC London that Defib had been "very friendly and therapeutic".

The petition starters posted a note online to announce the news this week.

They said: "This is a reminder that sometimes it's the smallest thing that you do in a day which ultimately changes a life for the better."

They told supporters that the staff at Walthamstow Ambulance Station are now hoping to fundraise for a community defibrillator "in his honour".

It signed off by saying: "Please send a few pennies to your local cat charity in his name if you are able. They are all struggling and need your support."

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