IN NOVEMBER 2009 at the age of 51 Jane McHugh, from Droitwich, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She had been suffering from strange symptoms that came and went for decades but now she finally knew what was causing them.

She said: “I was working in a high-pressure environment - among other things quality assuring the training of police officers. I was also embarking on a MA in education without the grounding of a university education, which was not easy.

“I took the initial diagnosis in my stride, refusing to believe my life would change. Our children had grown up and left home, we were holidaying abroad often and I was working very hard.”

However, some days it would take Jane three hours to get up, get downstairs and switch on the computer. The MS fatigue was like nothing she had experienced before and to say her life was turning upside down would be an understatement.

“I have always been a positive person and felt everything happens for a reason, but my MS has been a huge challenge for me both physically and mentally. It seems that overnight I went from being an active workaholic person with two jobs and numerous hobbies, who enjoyed the outdoor life to the full, to a nervous and anxious individual imprisoned in her own home.”

Balance issues meant she developed a fear of falling and an inability to summon help, which ruled her life.

“I was afraid to step outside the confines of my home, not even to enjoy my garden, without someone with me. I was unable to walk more than a few yards, write using my right hand, cook, dress myself or basically do very much at all – I questioned my existence.

“While my husband was at work, the loneliness during the week was at times unbearable,” said Jane.

“I finally succumbed to a friend’s advice and retired in January 2014, which dramatically changed my routine. Without the daily focus of getting myself to work, I gave in to depression – I had no reason to get up in the morning.

“With my husband often working away from home and my children all grown up, there was no one to encourage me or help me get dressed.

Then one of Jane’s friends posted a Canine Partners picture on Facebook. She knew, from experience, the power of pets to raise spirits through love and companionship, but she had been reluctant to get another pet thinking she was not active enough to look after it.

“However, when I read about Canine Partners I immediately saw that an assistance dog was the answer to my prayers. I realised that, other than the sheer pleasure of having something to spend time with, an assistance dog could help me so much on a practical level. It could help me make the bed, pick up things I drop, help me get dressed, fetch the phone and much more.

“But most of all it could give me back my confidence and the independence to start going out of the house again. My family would have the peace of mind that if I did go out and about but needed help, the dog would get it.

“My imagination went into overdrive, so without hesitation I began the application process. While I didn’t imagine a dog would solve all my problems, it could go a long way towards making them easier.

When Jane’s application was approved from Canine Partners, she had the call to meet a potential dog and simply could not wait.

“Leah was a gorgeous 19-month old black Labrador and with her stunning good looks and super personality I soon fell in love - she was the perfect match for me.”

Jane did a two-week residential training course at the Canine Partners Midlands Centre and went home a different person.

Her family saw the change straight away - suddenly the independent woman, mum, wife and granny was back.

Jane added: “I was a bit worried about our routine when we came home as there was lots to remember with feeding, toileting and grooming etc. but we soon settled into it well.

“Leah loves picking things up for me which, with my tremors and dexterity problems, is extremely useful. The first time I took her out for a walk my purse accidentally fell out of my pocket, credit cards flew one way and money the other. Without me saying a word, Leah picked up the three credit cards, a £5 note and then the purse to put them back into.

She went on: “If MS has turned my life upside down, having Leah with me has straightened it up again. She makes me laugh, gives me confidence to go out and face the world but most of all she makes me feel wanted. She relies on me and I rely on her – we are a partnership.

“I wake up every day thanking Canine Partners and the person who sponsored Leah and bought her into my life.”

• Canine Partners is a national charity that helps to transform the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs.

• The dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering security, companionship, and practical help with everyday household tasks. They also provide psychological and social benefits including increased independence, confidence, social interaction and self-esteem.

• Assistance dogs are trained to meet the needs of individuals with even the most complex physical disabilities. Help is currently available for adults aged 18 and over who have a physical disability or condition that affects their daily life and limits their independence.

• For more information about Canine Partners and how to get help or get involved with the charity visit https://caninepartners.org.uk/ or telephone 08456 580 480 during normal office hours