In 2012, at just 20, a serious road traffic accident left Paul tetraplegic, paralysed from the chest down, with very limited movement in his arms and no hand function. He spent the eight months after his accident in hospital recovering and was discharged on his 21st birthday. 

“Returning home was a mix of relief and anxiety. Shortly after, my dad suffered a stroke and his mobility became limited, requiring the use of a wheelchair. Having two wheelchairs in the house, was a challenge,” Paul recalls. 

In the years that followed he battled severe depression and anxiety, often feeling trapped and unable to go out alone. Paul continued, “I spent long days feeling stuck, struggling to adjust to my new normal.” 

Life with Ralph 

Paul’s life took a new direction in 2016 when he was matched with his first canine partner – a Golden Retriever called Ralph.

“Before Ralph, my world felt small and lonely. He gave me independence, confidence and companionship, and showed me that my life wasn’t over just because of my spinal-cord injury. We went on long walks, I started meeting people again, and even simple everyday tasks became possible. Ralph quickly became my closest friend.” 

Christmas with Ralph was always magical. “On Christmas morning, I’d take Ralph for a short walk and greet the neighbours. Then we’d go to my parents for Christmas dinner. I’d always buy Ralph a few toys, and he loved tearing of the wrapping paper.” 

Tragically, Ralph passed away unexpectedly in April 2024 leaving Paul to face last Christmas without him. “It was one of the loneliest times of my life. Instead of waking up with my dog, I found myself sitting alone in my wheelchair, waiting to go to my parents’. The house felt empty, and everything seemed harder without him.” 

Thanks to Canine Partner’s lifelong commitment, in January 2025 Paul was partnered with a Wilson, a yellow Labrador cross Golden Retriever. 

A new beginning with Wilson 

“After losing Ralph, I stopped going out, but Wilson has given me my life back. I’m visiting places again and reconnecting with people I had lost touch with. Being in a large wheelchair can make people avoid eye contact, but Wilson changes that. People stop to chat, and I feel included in my community again,” said Paul. 

With Wilson by his side, this Christmas promises to be different. “Last year I felt completely alone, but this year, thanks to Wilson, everything feels joyful again. Even simple moments, like going for a walk or spending time at home together, mean so much. He has brought companionship and a sense of normality back into my life, helping me regain my independence. 

“I’ll be getting Wilson some new toys to play with. We’ll be visiting my parents, who also have a young dog, and I’m really looking forward to the chaos of the two of them playing while we open presents. I’ve even got them a tug-of-war toy for the garden – it’s going to be brilliant fun!”  

This Christmas, you can give the gift of independence. By supporting our Winter Appeal, you can help us train more amazing dogs like Ralph and Wilson, bringing joy and independence to people like Paul.