I found a woman living in a hedge for three years as she didn’t want to be apart from her cat

A TREE surgeon found a woman living in a hedge for three years because she didn’t want to be separated from her cat. 

The rough sleeper, thought to be in her 50s, was on a tarpaulin, a few umbrellas, an old sleeping bag and blankets and cushions, surrounded by bags and boxes.

It is believed any accommodation she found refused to accept her pet as well so she set up home in the hedge in Chester. 

Tree surgeon Gareth Olsen, 43, found her when he was clearing a field for a private landlord client that hadn’t been touched in years. 

One of his men was in a tractor when a little hand waved out of the hedge saying “I live here”.

Gareth said: “It’s such a sad story. I felt so shocked and sorry for her.

"Bless her. When I first met her I said I hope you don't mind me asking but how long have you been here and she said a couple of years - probably two or three. 

“I asked her how she was managing and she said she was quite a hardy person and all she really needed was a sleeping bag as hers had seen better days. She was clearly not doing well.

"She was awfully nervous too, thinking we were going to kick her off the site.

"I said no, I'd like to try to help her. I wasn't leaving her there. 

“I couldn't sleep that night, wanting to make sure she was OK.

"She was insistent at first that she would just move on and make sure the site was tidied before she did so."

Gareth gave her some change and sent her to local homeless charity Share.

He added: "I consider myself quite hardy but I could not do what she has been doing.

"I asked her if she had had any accommodation and she said she had done over the years but she has had a cat for a few years who she described as her 'soulmate' and lots of places wouldn't take her cat.

"I'm glad that it all came good in the end and she is now getting support."

It is understood the woman has been helped by Share and is being found housing.