Aidan:

Four years ago, Aidan was diagnosed with CPVT after collapsing and becoming unresponsive at primary school. This is a life-threatening heart condition: if Aidan’s heart rate increases in response to stress or heightened emotions, it can lead to sudden death via cardiac arrest, there is no cure.

Aidan is now 14 and also faces additional challenges due to having autism and severe OCD. Clinical recommendations suggest that having an assistance dog would help Aidan in daily life, providing practical support, whilst aiding towards an independent future.

Trainee Assistance Dog Frankie:

Frankie, our gorgeous cocker spaniel, has now started his specialist training. Alongside trainer Christine Meaney, Aidan is learning to train Frankie to become his very own Assistance Dog.

But as charitable funds aren’t available for children over the age of 10, we have to self-fund and training is costly. It takes a minimum of 2 years to train an assistance dog with the training being adapted specifically for Aidan’s needs each and every step of the way.

If you would like to follow Aidan & Frankie's progress or simply offer support, please click on this link: Twitter Journey Page

This is a short video clip of Jane Harris, Director of External Affairs at the National Autistic Society, talking about assistance dogs and her support for Aidan and Frankie.

Thank you for giving Aidan & Frankie this chance of an independent future together. This also helps us to pave the way for other children and families who need assistance dogs.