He is my new buddy and my lifeline.

Jason was 9 years old when he was diagnosed with brittle Type 1 Diabetes. This condition  is particularly hard to control and can result in frequent, extreme swings in blood glucose levels, causing hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Despite most of his youth being spent in hospital, Jason was determined not to let the diabetes rule his life and decided he would live as normal a life as possible.

Jason spent many years working in the building trade, but frustratingly was forced to leave many jobs for health and safety reasons, due to suffering hypos on site. Having got married and with a young daughter he moved to Yorkshire and found work in a gardening firm. Again, he was forced to leave this work due to his diabetes, and the risks of suffering hypos every day. Understandably, this was very frustrating for Jason and shows what a huge impact his diabetes was having on his day to day life.

Then, one day, Jason’s wife Julie saw an article about Medical Detection Dogs and how they trained assistance dogs to help individuals living with type 1 diabetes, warning them of impending hypos.

After attending a charity open day Jason was invited for an interview and accepted on to the programme. ‘We attended some training days in which we met lots of different dogs who were all wonderful. Then I met Derek.’  Derek spent some time with Jason and his family at home, and Jason knew he had found the right match. ‘I couldn’t put into words how wonderful he was, it was almost as if I had known him for years, and although it was still early days and I didn’t want to get too excited, I couldn’t help it.’

When Jason returned to HQ to attend training some weeks later Derek who had still been living with his socialiser was over the moon - as he heard Jason’s voice he started howling and could not wait to greet his new pal!  Jason recalls how Derek bounded over to him, wagging his tail and giving him a big kiss.  ‘As you can imagine, this made me feel ecstatic.’

As with all the charity’s amazing assistance dogs, Derek has changed Jason’s life.

‘He has been with us now for a few weeks and the difference to my life is phenomenal.  I used to be found in a heap at least 2 or 3 times a week but now Derek makes sure that he warns me well before I get to that stage. This means I can help myself before it is too late. He is my new buddy, my lifeline and has given me a new life, not only me but peace of mind for my wife and daughter knowing that I am safe in the hands - or should I say paws - of Derek.’