Janine GriffithsA therapy dog has joined the team at the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, offering comfort and calm to families across East Leeds.
Frankie, an Australian Labradoodle, is the newest addition to the specialist centre, based in Seacroft. His gentle nature was immediately put to the test when he met Rob and Lindsey Burrow’s children Macy, Maya and Jackson, who took him on a tour of the new building and its gardens.
The centre’s focus on emotional and holistic support sits at the heart of why Frankie has been welcomed into the team. Centre manager Gary Jevon said pets can spark the kind of light moments that are often needed most. He said: “Pets bring people joy, and spark moments of magic, which carries real therapeutic value.” He added that the centre aims to support the emotional, social and psychological needs of families affected by MND as well as their clinical care.
His arrival comes at a time when families living with MND often face anxiety and uncertainty. Gary explained: “Pet visits can help reduce anxiety and create calmer conversations at what can be a stressful time. They offer emotional support and non-judgmental companionship which is really valuable for people who are unwell, isolated, or facing life-changing diagnoses.”
Frankie has already won over staff, volunteers and families. Liz, a registered Therapy Dog Handler and Leeds Teaching Hospitals volunteer, said he brings something unique to the environment. She said: “Therapy dogs are perfect for providing comfort, companionship and emotional warmth to patients and their loved ones. They can reduce anxiety, stress and isolation, lift mood and improve wellbeing, spark connections and comfort families and carers while boosting staff morale as well.”
For the centre’s MND Family Support Worker Sam Oakes, who works closely with people living with the condition and their loved ones, Frankie’s presence adds something special to those visits. Sam said: “Here at the centre we’re helping people living with MND and their families create lasting memories and find moments of joy throughout their journey. Frankie can be an amazing part of this for those families who would like to spend time with him.”
Frankie is a qualified therapy dog registered with Pets As Therapy. His work complements other support on offer at the centre, which includes yoga therapy, bereavement groups and memory making. Sam’s role is funded by the MND Association, with Leeds Hospitals Charity also supporting resources for families accessing care.
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