A family left heartbroken when their beloved pet tabby cat was left fighting for his life on Christmas Day have said they have been overwhelmed by a kind-spirited community campaign which raised more than £1,000 to save him.

Kellie Morris and her family were left distraught when the two-year-old rescue cat, who they have owned for six months, failed to return home as usual during the morning.

He was found 'crying out for help' by Lowestoft Library worker Tracy Gunn while she was walking in Oulton Road, who eventually tracked the owners down after a poster was put on several social media sites.

Harley was taken to a vet - but it soon transpired the cost of treatment could be up to £2,000, as he has suffered a severely fractured back leg and pelvis after appearing to have been run over by a car.

That amount of money was something the Morris family could ill afford, having just spent money on Christmas for a family-of-four - with two children aged 17 and 11 - and Mrs Morris' husband Alan recently made redundant.

But Charmaine Woods, who runs the Cats Protection Anglia Coastal Facebook page, soon set up an online fund-raising page appealing for donations.

And the community have rallied round, so far raising more than £1,000.

Mrs Morris said: 'We are grateful for the support as it comes at a time we need it most.

'We were distraught, our Christmas was ruined and we were left heartbroken but this restores all faith in mankind and we just can't wait to get little Harley home.'

Harley was expected to have his leg amputated this week, with further treatment scheduled over the coming weeks.

To support the cause, visit www.gofundme.com/harleythecat

Are you organising a fund-raising campaign? Tell The Journal by calling 01502 525820 or email lowestoft.journal@archant.co.uk