Leicestershire dad regains independence after life-changing accident thanks to Canine Partners assistance dogs
A father who was once told he might never walk or speak again after a devastating accident is calling on the public to support a new appeal helping others regain their independence.
Rob (42) from Leicester had built his early life around fitness and adventure. A Royal Marines Commando, he competed internationally in athletics, rugby, skiing and cross-country, and enjoyed scuba diving and skydiving. After leaving the Marines, he worked as an ambulance technician and trainer in cardiac and trauma care.
But in 2008, aged just 24 and one week into a nursing degree at Leicester University, Rob’s life changed in an instant when he was hit by a car. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple leg injuries, spending nine months in a coma. Doctors did not expect him to survive. “When I finally woke, they warned I might never speak or walk again. The outlook was grim,” Rob said.
Against the odds, Rob did survive. He spoke his first words a year later and, after two years of intensive rehabilitation, was discharged from hospital. But life remained incredibly challenging. His balance was unpredictable, and because his disabilities aren’t visible, people didn’t realise he needed support, making everyday situations like busy streets or public transport overwhelming.
Everything changed in 2013 when Rob was partnered with his first assistance dog, Merredge, through Canine Partners. “He gave me the confidence to go out again. Before him, I barely left the house. Once he arrived in my life, I was hardly home.”
Merredge not only supported Rob with practical tasks but also helped others understand his needs. With his assistance dog by his side, Rob felt safer, more confident, and able to re-engage with life, including becoming the hands-on father he had always wanted to be. “My son was born around the time of my accident, so I never had the chance to be a hands-on dad. Before Merredge, I hesitated to take him out. With him by my side, I could finally say yes.”
After Merredge sadly passed away in 2024, Rob’s confidence quickly declined. But thanks to Canine Partners’ lifetime support, he was partnered with a new assistance dog, Eddy. “Eddy didn’t just replace practical help – he restored my confidence, my independence and my sense of purpose.”
Today, Rob is once again active in his community, volunteering with Canine Partners and supporting others. “Because of Canine Partners, I can live my life to the fullest. I’m welcomed in my community, not just tolerated. My dogs have given me back my independence, my safety, and my ability to be the father my son deserves.”
Rob’s story is at the heart of Canine Partners’ national Power of Partnerships Appeal, which aims to raise £55,000 this spring to help transform more lives like his.
It takes around two years to train an assistance dog and carefully match them with a disabled person. Once matched, each person is invited to attend a two-week residential Partnership Course at the charity’s National Training Centre in Leicestershire, where they train, learn and begin their life-changing partnership together.
Each course costs £5,000 to run, covering accessible accommodation, specialist training, 24/7 support, meals and care in a safe, supportive environment. Canine Partners plans to deliver 11 courses in 2026, to create 40 life-changing partnerships, but relies entirely on donations to make them possible.
Supporters can help give more people the confidence, independence and freedom that assistance dogs like Merredge and Eddy have given Rob. To find out more or donate, visit: cpartners.uk/partnerships-appeal