A Big Issue seller and his cat – who shot to fame with the release of a bestselling book about their life on the streets – have chosen to support the animal charity which helped in their hour of need.

During their early years together, musician James Bowen and his cat Bob, who were a regular fixture at Angel Tube, attended the Blue Cross’s weekly mobile clinic in nearby Islington Green, where vets helped with microchipping and general check-ups.

And, following the success of their incredible story of friendship and adventures in number one bestselling book, A Street Cat Named Bob, which was released last year, Mr Bowen and Bob wanted to give something back to the charity which helped keep them together.

Mr Bowen said: “2012 was a life-changing year for me and Bob, and I’m keen to start giving something back. That’s why we chose Blue Cross to be the initial focus of this new chapter in our lives.”

A Street Cat Named Bob – which has just been released in a special children’s edition – tells the story of how Mr Bowen, a recovering drug addict living in sheltered accommodation turned his life around after finding the injured cat in the hallway of his flats in 2007.

Despite having his own struggles to contend with, he took in the ginger tomcat and nursed him back to health. The pair have been inseparable ever since, becoming a familiar presence at the Angel where Bob could often be seen perched on his owner’s shoulders as he sold copies of the Big Issue

Mr Bowen and Bob will be supporting the Blue Cross through book signings and public appearances, and a fundraising page has also set up at www.justgiving.com/streetcatbob