When Claire was 12, an accident changed the course of her life. Claire was dirt boarding (a cross between a snowboard and a skateboard ridden down grassy hills) when she suffered a serious crash. 

In the years that followed, Claire lived with chronic pain that shaped her teenage years and future. At the time, her symptoms were believed to be linked to the accident, and she was initially diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). 

While she tried to keep up with friends and continue everyday activities, she sometimes relied on a wheelchair and experienced ongoing fatigue and medical challenges.

When Claire was 18, further medical assessments revealed that the earlier diagnosis had been incorrect, and she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – a genetic condition that affects connective tissue and can cause joint instability, pain and fatigue.  

During this period, she was also diagnosed with autism, asthma and reflex syncope, a heart condition that can cause sudden fainting episodes. Coming to terms with the reality of these complex conditions was difficult. “I realised this wasn’t something that was going to go away. They would affect every day of the rest of my life.” 

Discovering Canine Partners

Around the same time, Claire met her now husband, Oliver. As their relationship grew, they talked about the future and the family they hoped to have one day.  

But Claire wasn’t sure if that would be possible. Everyday tasks already required a lot of energy, and she often relied on support from her mum and Oliver to manage day-to-day life. “I had so much I wanted to achieve, but I knew I needed help” 

Then a chance encounter introduced her to Canine Partners. Claire’s mum met a Canine Partners Puppy Training Volunteer while out shopping. After learning more about the charity, Claire realised an assistance dog could be exactly what she needed. 

Meeting Chester 

In 2017 Claire was partnered with her first Canine Partner – a black Labrador called Chester. “When Chester arrived, it was like a door opening. With his help I could do things for myself again.” 

Chester quickly became an essential part of Claire’s daily life. He picked up anything she dropped, open and close doors, fetch medication and help with everyday tasks that required far more energy for Claire than for most people. 

He also learned to recognise the signs that Claire’s heart condition was about to cause an episode, giving her early warning so she could sit down safely. 

When Oliver was deployed overseas with the Army, Chester became Claire’s constant companion and source of reassurance. 

Becoming a mum

With Chester by her side, Claire began to regain her independence and confidence. By helping with physically demanding tasks and reducing the risk of injury, Chester allowed Claire to manage her energy and daily life more safely. 

For the first time, the future she and Oliver had hoped for felt possible. In 2018, Chester proudly carried the rings at Claire and Oliver’s wedding. Two years later the couple welcomed their daughter, Elsie. “Having Chester made the idea of being a mom less daunting. When Elsie arrived, he helped me focus on being a mum instead of worrying about whether I would manage.” 

In 2021, Claire was devastated when Chester was diagnosed with cancer and sadly passed away. Losing him meant losing not only her beloved companion, but also the sense of reassurance and security he had given her every day.  

A new chapter

Without an assistance dog, everyday life once again required careful planning and constant thinking about what might go wrong. “I realised how much easier and safer life had been with Chester by my side.” 

Thanks to Canine Partners lifetime support, Claire was matched with her second and current Canine Partner, a yellow Labrador named Sophie. Like Chester, Sophie supports Claire with everyday tasks and can detect early signs of her heart condition. 

At home, Sophie has quickly become part of family life. Claire and Oliver now have two young children, Elsie and their son James, and Sophie is never far from their side. “She’s wonderful with the children and brings such a calm presence to our home.” 

With Sophie beside her, Claire has the support she needs to focus on family life. “Chester and Sophie have helped me build a life I once thought might never be possible. Because of them, I can be the mum my children need.”