Meet Health Play Specialist Therese Smith, who has worked at The Christie for over a decade, and Dominic Barrow, aged 11, alongside his mother Helen. Dominic, who lives in St Annes near Blackpool, is being treated for a brain tumour and has benefited from the therapy dog service which supports children and young people receiving treatment at the proton beam therapy centre. You’ll hear how therapy dogs Lilo and Luna have positively impacted Dominic’s experience of cancer care, giving him the support and lift he needs during an incredibly difficult time.
Funded by Christie Charity supporters, the service brings specially trained therapy dogs into the hospital to help reduce anxiety, provide comfort and make treatment less overwhelming for young patients and families.
Delivered by Health Play Specialists like Therese and trained handlers, the sessions have become a much-loved part of the patient experience, with growing demand from both patients and staff. Supporter funding is now helping the service expand so even more young people can benefit.
Watch this short video to find out more.