As many of you may know I am a big animal lover - and have homed two rescue cats myself in the past. I know there are loads of you out there that have amazing cats and dogs that you love as part of the family and so I wanted to do something to try and raise some money for a great cause.

As part of this effort we have setup a Red Hat Ecosystem football team in collaboration with some of our partners to take part in a charity football tournament run by Business Fives. Our regional tournament is held on Tuesday February 13th at Goals Reading and if we finish in the top 2 (out of 31 teams entered) then we have a chance to enter the National Finals held on April 16th and raise even more money.

Business Fives put a portion of the proceeds towards charity (which we get to influence if we win) and also encourages participating companies to raise their own funds alongside this.

With that in mind we are aiming for £750+ (but ideally more of course!) so I wanted to ask you all to help support an amazing cause and give whatever you can to keep cats and dogs safe until they find their forever home from loving owners like you.

Some more information about Battersea Dogs & Cats Home:

Battersea will always be here for every dog and cat. Last year alone they took in over 7000 dogs and cats - who otherwise would have had nowhere to go, giving them the expert care they need and finding them new homes that are just right for them.

They also help pet owners make informed choices, provide training advice, and campaign for changes in the law.

And they help other rescue centres and charities at home and abroad because they want to be here for every dog and cat, wherever they are, for as long as they need Battersea.