“Hamble helped me believe in my future again.”
Kelsey (30), from Greater Manchester, was once a competitive climber with dreams of pursuing music professionally. She never imagined that one day chronic illness would leave her struggling with everyday life and unable to leave the house alone.
Since being partnered with her Canine Partner Hamble, Kelsey has rebuilt her confidence and independence, achieving things she once thought impossible.
Navigating life with chronic illness
From a young age, Kelsey experienced symptoms of chronic fatigue and, by the age of 11, was regularly missing school. Growing up in France, she spent years trying to manage her health while continuing her education. Although she had supportive doctors, she was left without clear answers or effective treatment.
After moving to the UK to study music at university, her health rapidly deteriorated. In 2016, Kelsey was diagnosed with ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) and fibromyalgia – long-term conditions that cause extreme fatigue, chronic pain, reduced mobility and cognitive difficulties. Within months, she went from walking independently to using crutches before becoming a full-time wheelchair user.
“I’d gone from being really active to struggling with everyday life. I lost my independence, my confidence and my sense of who I was.”
Before becoming ill, climbing had been a huge part of Kelsey’s identity. Losing that outlet was devastating. “Climbing had always been my emotional and physical release. When I couldn’t do it anymore, I became really depressed and struggled to feel hopeful about the future.”
Searching for independence
University life became increasingly isolating. Fatigue and anxiety made it difficult to socialise or ask for help, and Kelsey worried about how she would cope after graduating. “I knew I didn’t want to move back in with my parents, but I was scared about how I’d manage on my own.”
Determined to regain some independence, Kelsey began researching support online and discovered Canine Partners. She applied for a Canine Partner during her second year at university and spent almost three years on the waiting list. During that time, she graduated and moved into her own home in Manchester.
Meeting Hamble
Then, in 2019, she was matched with a fox red Labrador named Hamble. “During our first week together, I dropped my pyjamas and couldn’t reach them. Hamble picked them up and handed them to me. I just burst into tears.”
From the moment they were partnered, Hamble transformed Kelsey’s daily life. By picking up dropped items, opening doors, and fetching things, Hamble helps Kelsey conserve her limited energy throughout the day. “She started bringing me my slippers before I’d even finished asking for them. She still does it now.”
But for Kelsey, Hamble’s impact went far beyond practical support.
Hamble gives me confidence to try things again. I feel safer and more independent with her beside me.
Rediscovering independence
With Hamble at her side, Kelsey slowly began reconnecting with the world around her. She started socialising more, got a part-time job and rediscovered her love of climbing through paraclimbing.
Unable to use her lower legs at the time, Kelsey learned to climb on her knees using kneepads – something she once believed she would never do again. “I was terrified the first time. I thought I’d get off the ground and realise I’d lost climbing forever. But it reminded me I was still capable of more than I thought.”
Hamble adapted quickly to every part of Kelsey’s life, whether settling quietly beneath her till at work, sleeping through loud concert rehearsals or joining her on camping trips and outdoor adventures.
For Kelsey, some of the most important moments are often the small, everyday ones. “If I drop one of my crutches when I’m alone, I can completely lose my balance and end up falling. With Hamble, she simply picks it up and gives it back to me. What could become dangerous instantly becomes manageable.”
During the pandemic, when Kelsey was advised to shield, Hamble became an even greater source of support. Having recently moved house before lockdown, Kelsey found herself isolated and unable to rely on friends or family for help.
Hamble was my constant through all of it. She adapted so quickly and helped me feel less alone.
Crossing the finish line
Over time, with Hamble helping her conserve energy and rebuild confidence, Kelsey slowly regained strength and mobility.
In November 2023, she achieved something she once thought impossible – she stopped using crutches and was able to walk independently again. Just six months later, she started running.
In 2025, Kelsey completed the Manchester Marathon. Hamble joined her for the final stretch, crossing the finish line beside her in what Kelsey described as a ‘victory lap’ for everything they had overcome together.
Believing in the future again
Although her condition still affects her daily life, Kelsey says Hamble’s support has helped her reconnect with the world around her and achieve things she once believed were no longer possible.
Having mobility again is something I never take for granted. Living with chronic illness is unpredictable, but having Hamble by my side helps me manage my energy, maintain my mobility and keep my independence. She’s helped me believe in my future again.