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Senior Rescue Cat National Cat Awards Winner

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OutstandingStoryWe conclude our look at the winners of Cats Protection’s recent National Cat Awards by shining a spotlight on the feline whose win in the Most Incredible Story category led to a story he could brag about at home as his tale landed him the title of top cat at the prestigious biennial presentation, which took place at London’s Savoy Hotel.

Left to drown in a sack alongside his litter mates, Nelson’s nautically-themed life began 20 years ago when he was fished out of the sea. Making his home with fishermen on the docks, not even a gang’s attack– which resulted in the loss of an eye– could cloud the cat’s vision of a better tomorrow. In 2009 Nelson finally caught sight of the people who would become his forever pat parents when they paid a visit to the marina, and today– although elderly and battling an inoperable heart tumor– Nelson continues to enjoy his hard-earned days of smooth sailing with his family in the small town of Seaham.

The charming tabby was chosen the winner of the Most Incredible Story by actor Paul Copley, who television viewers will know as kindly farmer Mr. Mason on the popular drama Downton Abbey and as Harry in Last Tango in Halifax. Himself a doting Dad to a rescue cat, Copley stated: “To survive all that he has and still be able to trust humans is quite something!”

Nelson’s tale also captured the hearts of the celebrity panel of judges who selected the event’s overall winner– actor Anthony Head of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame; TTouch instructor Sarah Fisher; Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph; television presenter Jan Leeming; model/actress Lucy Pinder; showbiz correspondent Tim Vincent and Vets in Practice star Emma Milne.

The Following video offers a glimpse at the glamor of the 2014 National Cat Awards, presented by Cats Protection– the UK’s leading feline welfare charity which helps more than 194,000 cats and kittens each year at over 250 volunteer-run branches and 31 adoption centers.

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Photo Credit: Cats Protection

Grace Sydney
This post originally appeared on CatTipper.com and is the sole property of CatTipper and LT Media Group LLC.