Woman with rare condition finds hope in detection dog

A woman from Northampton with a rare condition which makes her lose consciousness several times a day has been given new hope to help her live a normal life.

Michelle Westgarth had to give up walking and now uses a wheelchair to prevent her injuring herself when she collapses. But help could soon be at hand from a dog that can sniff out her condition.

Michelle has Postural tachycardia syndrome which means she could lose consciousness without any warning and is hoping she will eventually be able to use a medical detection dog to tell her when she is about to collapse.

She saw the Milton Keynes based charity on a television programme and became so passionate about its work that she is raising money to help it expand its research.

The charity is currently helping people with cancer and diabetes as well as those with similar symptoms to Michelle.

With all the cases it deals with Medical Detection Dogs tries to ensure a good match between dog and potential owner and Michelle still has some way to go in that process.

But if an animal that meets her needs is found then it could make a world of difference and give her back the independence that her illness has taken away.

Click below for Russell Hookey's report