A fundraiser has been launched to raise money for a statue memorialising Kolo, the Southmead hospital cat. It has raised more than £1,200 within a day of his heartbroken owners confirming the much-loved pet had died, after sustaining severe injuries.
The Gofundme appeal, created by a staff member at Southmead, read: "Kolo was the sweetest cat ever. He loved everyone, and everyone loved him. Let’s remember him every day; he was a character and definitely one in a million."
Kolo was well-known for regularly wandering into A&E to befriend staff and cheer up patients during his nightly visits. This week (April 4), his owner confirmed that Kolo was put to sleep after incurring life-changing internal injuries in a car accident.
Read More: Heartbroken owners confirm Southmead Hospital's much-loved resident cat has died
Kolo's owner's sister posted on behalf of the family, and said in the outpouring of tributes to the famous feline, "there has been a common theme in the requests to donate towards a memorial of some kind for Kolo and his contributions to Southmead Hospital".
The family member said: "Whilst this is yet to be formally agreed with the North Bristol Trust, a collection has already been started, and Kolo’s family have given their support to this and have asked that any funds over and above those needed for a memorial, be donated to the Southmead Charity and potentially used towards his emergency vet treatment, which I know would help greatly."
They added that posts sharing stories of Kolo had been appreciated by his owner, generating "both comfort and tears". On the Gofundme, staff and patients have continued to pay tribute to Kolo, demonstrating the depth of solace he provided in an in environment that's often highly stressful.
Vicki Tozer wrote: "My night shifts were so much better with you around sleep well." Similarly, Jane Brailsford wrote: "I will miss you, my furry nightshift friend. Sleep tight. I will never forget you," while Domini Agboeze added: "He comforted me with cuddles at difficult times in A&E."
In a statement to Bristol Live, a North Bristol NHS Trust spokesperson said: “We are very sad to hear the news that Kolo the cat has passed away. Kolo, who lived near Southmead Hospital, brought a smile to the faces of many patients, staff and visitors when they arrived on our grounds.
“We’re aware a fundraising campaign has been started, and we will work with the organisers of this campaign to agree an appropriate way to remember Kolo.”
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