Sophie Pickering and her loyal companion Daisy are a much-loved presence in care homes, schools and hospitals across the region.
The pair are also regular visitors to Roseberry Park in Middlesbrough, part of our trust, where a warm welcome is guaranteed.
“I love volunteering because I get to do it with my best friend,” said Sophie. “The patients adore Daisy. They tell me seeing her has made their day.”
Sophie, 31, from Brambles Farm, was born deaf and lives with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and epilepsy.
She initially trained Daisy – a Jack Russell/Bichon Frisé cross – as an assistance dog before also training her as a therapy pet, thanks to the pup’s calm, loving nature.
“I wanted to share Daisy with others,” said Sophie.
“She helps me so much with my own mental health and she now helps others too.
“A lot of my anxiety comes from being deaf. I was very subdued growing up and always found comfort in animals.
“Daisy makes me calm when I’m anxious – I get really nervous on my own. She gets me out and about and I’m able to live my daily life.”
Fashion-conscious pup
Five-year-old Daisy is instantly recognised by patients during her visits due to her colourful hair bows and handmade outfits.
The bespoke dresses and accessories are carefully handcrafted by Sophie and help add an extra touch of joy to people’s day.
“I’ve recycled clothes including a bridesmaid dress and accessories from my mum’s wedding to make Daisy’s outfits,” said Sophie.
She’s well known for her signature hair bows and has a collection of over 50!”
Award-winning pair
Sophie and Daisy devote three days a week to visit wards around Roseberry Park– including Ridgeway, our trust’s secure inpatient services.
Such is their popularity that last year the pair were finalists in the BBC Tees Make a Difference Awards, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the community.
And they were also recognised with a Diamond Standard award from Tees Valley Education, for encouraging children to grow in confidence through reading.
“Daisy always makes a beeline for people who are down or need comfort. She’s very intuitive and makes friends everywhere she goes,” said Sophie.
Patients look forward to visits
Kelly Conway, voluntary services co-ordinator at our trust, said: “Sophie has been with us for three years and in that time, nothing has ever been too much trouble.
“She works one-to-one with patients and staff and will visit wards – the patients always look forward their visits.
If you walk around the hospital with Sophie and Daisy they are stopped by patients and staff and recognised everywhere they go. Seeing the look on patients’ faces when they see Daisy in her little outfits and bows is priceless.
“We can’t thank Sophie and Daisy enough for the continued amount of time they give to our trust.”
Determined to help others
Sophie has had years of speech and language therapy to help her communicate and relies on hearing aids in both ears and lip reading.
But, despite her health challenges, she is determined to keep on helping others – with the support of her fashion-conscious furry companion. Sophie said:
We have been volunteering at the trust for three years now and we both find it really rewarding,
“Volunteering with Daisy has helped my own mental health and I feel like I can relate to the patients we visit. I’m so proud of what Daisy and I have achieved together.”
