Evie Evans, 13, was unable to walk after significant muscle weakening following two months of heavy sedation. Now she is back on her feet after what’s thought to be the country’s first NHS paediatric physiotherapy project involving a dog.
The project started as a three-month pilot in the summer and is now permanent. It follows a successful trial with adult patients, Addenbrooke’s volunteers, and Pets As Therapy (PAT) launched last year. Working with PAT dogs has been shown to motivate patients to stretch themselves further during their physiotherapy.
Mum Sara, who watched Evie’s progress over several weekly sessions at the hospital gym, said: “Poppy the PAT dog got Evie to do things she wouldn’t have done otherwise – we call it ‘Poppy power’!
“It was because Poppy was there that Evie first stood with her at the parallel bars. Eventually she found the courage to hold Poppy’s lead and walk along. It was an amazing moment for everyone.’’
Evie, who has Down syndrome, was taken by PaNDR – the specialist ambulance for children who are critically ill - from Harlow to Addenbrooke’s in July. She had a serious respiratory infection with complications and needed to be heavily sedated to help her recover.
After an eight-week battle to save her, critical care clinicians were able to bring Evie around, and start the long process of getting her back to health. She was hoisted out of bed, so she could build up her muscles and learn to walk again.
The plucky teenager joined the pilot project led by paediatric physiotherapist Jonny Littlewood and his team, working with PAT volunteer, Lisa Smart, and nine-year-old Poppy, who for three years has been cheering up patients elsewhere in the hospital.
Evie, who was one of the first patients to benefit, started her treatment sitting with Poppy, gently throwing a ball, and reaching out with treats, or a pat. Eventually she took a walk with the help of Jonny, Lisa, Poppy, and the parallel bars. To encourage Evie to take those first steps, her physio team also promised to perform Beyonce’s iconic dance to Single Ladies – a promise they later fulfilled to the delight of Evie.
Her courage blossomed and, despite many challenges, Evie is now at home and will walk to the dinner table this Christmas Day with the aid of her sticks and loving family.
The paediatric physiotherapy team have helped nearly 40 young patients with brain injuries, broken bones, developmental impairments, diseases and muscle weakness like Evie’s.
Jonny said: “Poppy’s skills alongside owner Lisa’s wonderful guidance in motivating children has been coined ‘Poppy power’.
“Poppy is an endearing curly-haired Labradoodle and is such a happy girl, bringing with her an infectious energy. Poppy adapts to each child, and is able to push patients harder to achieve their therapy goals more quickly.’’
Lisa added: “It is an absolute privilege to be able to go into hospital and work with children in need, as well as adults.
“Sometimes they are at their darkest times, and to put a smile on a child's face – and that of their parents, nurses and doctors – is an absolute privilege.”
Sara explained: “When Evie first got to Addenbrooke’s doctors decided they had to intubate her. She had parainfluenza and she ended up getting cellulitis at one point too.
“At one stage she was on the maximum oxygen, they proned her even though they don’t normally prone children. They were at the end of everything they could do.
“However, eventually Evie pulled it back and we could not be more proud of what she has achieved – or grateful to those who have helped. That includes Poppy.”
Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer should visit the Trust’s dedicated web pages
