Jo Hill (55), from Buckinghamshire, was always on the go. A busy mum of four, she ran her own consultancy business and trained for triathlons while balancing family life.
“I loved being a mother. I had always wanted children and suddenly I had this wonderful, chaotic family life that I adored.”
Then, in January 2006, her life changed in a matter of seconds.
Jo was at her children’s school loading a sports bag into the boot of her car when another vehicle rolled forward, crushing her between the two cars. Her children, then aged two, three, five and 10, witnessed the accident.
Jo suffered a serious crush injury and damage to her spine. The accident left her paraplegic, using a wheelchair full-time and living with chronic pain. Over time, she also developed spondylolisthesis, a painful condition affecting the bones in her back. “In that moment, everything I knew about myself changed. I couldn’t walk, couldn’t shower on my own and couldn’t be the mum I wanted to be. I lost my independence and I lost myself.”
The years after the accident were incredibly difficult. Jo faced long legal battles, ongoing rehabilitation and the emotional impact the accident had on her whole family. “My children had seen everything. At the time, I didn’t realise how much it had affected them, but years later it all came out. My accident changed their lives too.”
For five years, Jo struggled to adapt to her new reality and relied heavily on others for support.
“I reached rock bottom again and again. Pain became part of everyday life and my whole world revolved around managing it.”
Discovering Canine Partners
Then, in 2011, Jo attended a disability exhibition at the NEC and discovered Canine Partners. She was amazed by what the dogs could do, but never imagined she would qualify for one herself. “In truth, I didn’t think I was worth it.”
Meeting Derby
After being encouraged to apply, Jo was partnered with her first Canine Partner, Derby, a black Labrador. “When Derby was beside the wheelchair for the first time, I just broke down. For the first time since my accident, I felt in control again.”
Derby quickly transformed Jo’s life. He picked up dropped items, opened doors, fetched help in emergencies, and helped with everyday tasks around the house. But for Jo, his support meant much more than practical help.
Derby also changed life for Jo’s children. “I didn’t realise that whenever the children went out, one of them would always stay behind because they were worried about leaving me alone. Derby gave them confidence that I would be safe. He gave all of us freedom.”
When Derby died from lymphoma at just five years old, Jo was devastated. “A part of me died too. I lost myself again.”
“Caring for Derby gave me back something I had lost in myself. He gave me purpose again.”
Matched with Barry
In 2018, Jo was partnered with Barry, another black Labrador, who has now been by her side for eight years. Barry helps Jo every day by opening doors, carrying items, loading the washing machine, and helping her save energy and manage pain. “Barry helps me save my energy for the things that matter. He gives me independence in hundreds of small ways every single day.”
Barry is also deeply intuitive and often notices changes in Jo’s condition before she does.
“He knows when my pain is getting worse before I do. He’ll rest his chin on my knee or encourage me to go upstairs and rest. He sees me through everything.”
With Barry’s support, Jo has rebuilt her independence and continues to live a full and active life. She drives using hand controls, enjoys concerts and theatre, exercises regularly, and spends as much time outdoors as possible.
Jo is now a passionate ambassador for Canine Partners, helping raise awareness of the life-changing difference assistance dogs can make. “Giving back is so important to me. I could never fully repay everything the charity has done for me, so being able to support them means a lot.”
“Derby and Barry have given me the confidence to reconnect with the world, my independence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Through every challenge, they’ve been my constant – helping me see beyond my disability and giving me myself back.”