One of Plympton’s most well-known and recognised cats ‘Mo’ has passed away. The famous Plympton cat was frequently seen in St Mary’s churchyard where sightings of her gave comfort to so many.
The Plympton cat was such a frequent sight in the grounds of St Mary’s that people would often mistakenly believe she was owned and cared for by the church. However, Mo (the cat’s official name) was the beloved and well-cared for pet of Helen Sandison who lives nearby.
The churchyard was one of Plympton cat Mo’s favourite places and she would frequently spend some time with humans she met there, an encounter which often gave comfort and solace to her two-legged acquaintances, some of whom she would become friends with and go on to meet in the churchyard time and time again.
Annabel Sharpe often walked through the churchyard on her way to and from work. She said:
“I’d sit on the bench and she’d come to sit on my lap for five minutes, such a shame she has passed.”
Phil Howe has similar recollections:
“When I used to sit on the bench by the church to have my lunch between jobs she would always come and say hello, have a fuss and sit with me. She was so lovely and will be very missed.”
Lorna Boardman commented:
“Mo was definitely a special cat of our community for many years. I met her about 10 years ago when I was following up sightings of missing cats dumped near that area when I was involved with cat rescue. She would always stroll over and sit for a while, enjoying a fuss and a chat. What a beautiful soul. She will be missed.”
Martin Burgess reflected:
“My wife and I used to walk there all the time. Very sweet and beautiful cat, would always follow us around the church paths. Will be sorely missed.”
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Mo’s presence often brought comfort. Local ward councillor and former Lord Mayor of Plymouth Cllr Terri Beer said:
“This kitty comforted many people in St Mary’s churchyard, including me. I shared a few moments with Mo who patiently comforted me when I cried over lost family and friends.”
Rev’d Lizzie Green was very fond of Mo. She said:
“We will miss precious Mo. She had a great ability to turn up just as I was doing a funeral – I think she knew people needed comfort!”
Mo also helped those feeling isolated. Hilary Bracegirdle recalled:
“She was so lovely – I met her on lonely lockdown walks.”
Mo was also known as ‘Puddles’, a name she acquired from the children of St Mary’s Infants School. Former headteacher of St Mary’s Infants, Suzie Ottewell, recalls how this came about:
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“When I taught reception at St Mary’s we read a book about a cat called Puddles who lived in a church and we called Mo Puddles and a lot of children used to look for her in the churchyard.”
Another ex-staff member, Joanne Giles, added:
“I remember Puddles from working at St Mary’s School, the children were so excited when she put in an appearance.”
Hannah Perring’s children were among those who kept a lookout for ‘Puddles’. Hannah said:
“My kids have looked out to say hi every day on the school run for the past nine years.”
Confirmation that Mo had died came from Helen Sandison who shared with the community the very sad news that the Plympton cat Mo had passed peacefully away, her unofficial but invaluable duties in the churchyard of St Mary’s finally over.
Helen said:
“I am truly blown away by the beautiful comments and tributes. She had a wonderful life and it was heart-breaking to let her go.”
It is understood a plaque in memory of Mo will be placed in the churchyard in due course.
(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
