RESIDENTS and commuters alike left scores of messages of condolence following the death of Sapphie the station cat.
The 10-year-old piebald passed away last Friday (March 9) after being diagnosed with cancer.
Southeastern tweeted: “If you travel through #Tonbridge – I’ve some very sad news. ‘Sapphie’ the resident station cat who we know many of you loved and adored, has passed away after an illness. We’re looking to create a plaque in her memory and will have more details soon.”
A crowdfunding site had been set up to pay the vets’ bills for a scan and blood test, and the target of £260 was reached within eight hours.
Sadly, however, the disease had progressed quickly and the vet decided she should be put down to avoid further suffering.
Remarkably, the fund had raised more than £700 by then. It will be put towards the plaque, which will be erected at the station, and the remainder will be donated to charities that fight against animal cruelty.
The feline friend was a favourite of staff and passengers alike after she made the railway station her home when her owners moved away.
Sapphie, short for Sapphire, had a film made about her by Southeastern as part of the company’s Amazing Journeys series.
Visit youtube.com/watch?v=s6ulfs
Photos: Thanks to Michael Parkinson, Barden Residents Association, Alice Christian, Tim Hill, Sian O’Connor
Tribute tweets for sapphie
She was such a chilled cat – passed her many a night coming back from work, stretched out on the platform. Really sad
Luke Dodd
I’m coming into Tonbridge tonight and I will genuinely be thinking of this utter babe
as I disembark
Grace Latter
I’ll miss her lying on the platform looking like she owned the place.
Mr Gordon
Aw, Sapphie. You served your station well. Run free over the bridge – I hear it’s looking lovely up there!
Hermes, the Hyndland station cat
She was such a gorgeous, friendly cat. Always brightened up my commute
Alice Christian
I loved travelling via Tonbridge because of Sapphie… I hope you are happy at the Rainbow Bridge
Kasia Lech
bless her, everyone knew who was boss lol
SoutheasternÂ
