The life affirming, life changing partnership

Alex was diagnosed with type one diabetes only two months after his sixth birthday. His life was then to become one round of doctor’s appointments, hospital stays and emergency hospital admissions. A life not made any easier by a lack of knowledge amongst the general public as to what living with this condition meant. As a child, Alex was sometimes subject to cruel jibes from other children and says that it is a real tragedy that he cannot remember ever living a life without diabetes. 

Alex, now 29, went on to suffer a brain injury following a severe hypo. Unable to live independently he lived with his mother, sister and her family, until Crumpet, a 4-year-old black Labrador, Medical Detection Dog changed his life completely.

Able to alert Alex to changes in his blood sugar levels, Crumpet is his constant companion. Alex describes her as ‘more than an alert dog. She is a brilliant, loving companion – a life changer. Even if we are both asleep, she will wake me, by barking if necessary’. Crumpet’s alerts usually begin with her staring intensely at Alex. Sometimes if Alex is busy or confused due to being hypo, Crumpet will try and get his attention even more by jumping up or becoming vocal. As Alex lives on his own, the instructors at MDD advised that her barking could be helpful if he was seriously ill by making the neighbours aware.

And she doesn’t make mistakes either. Alex describes her as ‘much more reliable and useful’ than any piece of equipment supplied to manage his condition.

He can now live independently, has begun learning to drive, and finds life much less stressful. Alex, who enjoys walking and visits to the gym just wishes he had heard about MDD earlier. 

‘My grandparents found out about the charity and I applied for help. In 2018 I was introduced to Crumpet and she came to stay with me in 2019. She is a rare dog, very loving and gentle, a look from her would melt your heart. We love each other’, he says in tribute to his dog. 
Alex recently helped raise over £800 for the charity at a fund raising event and is keen to help raise awareness, as well as funds for MDD. ‘I want to volunteer to help the charity, it is the least I can do for their help in training Crumpet and the change for good she has made in my life.

When I was young and suffering from diabetes, doctors told me what to do to look after myself. They didn’t tell me the things I shouldn’t do, which might have prevented some of my many hospital admissions.

Crumpet has been a real lifesaver for me’, he says and ‘I want to make more people aware of the variety of conditions MDD can assist with. When I took Crumpet to the fundraiser, people were amazed by what she could do to help me and how successful she was in alerting. 
I want MDD to get the credit it deserves for changing lives for the better. They have my eternal gratitude’.