Fergus Makes A Difference

The BBC Make a Difference Awards celebrate people and animals who are truly remarkable in their community.

Fergus the goldendoodle rescue dog from Poynton named as a finalist in the BBC Radio Manchester Make a Difference awards, is putting his best paw forward and heading for the prestigious awards ceremony.

Fergus is a Pets As Therapy dog and with his owner Kate Clarkson, visits Francis House Children’s Hospice every week to bring joy to the young people and their families.

Fergus will be joining other animal finalists as well as inspirational human individuals and community groups at a glittering awards night at Leigh Sports Village on September 24.

Rachel Ellis, member of the homecare team at Francis House nominated Fergus for an award in the Animal Category.

Rachel said: “When Fergus walks through our doors, you can physically feel the difference. Smiles appear and the whole building feels lighter. For our children and young people with complex medical needs, many of whom cannot have a pet at home, Fergus gives them the chance to experience the unconditional love and comfort only an animal can bring.
“Fergus is incredibly gentle and we’ve seen children overcome their fear of dogs because of his calm, reassuring nature. Fergus doesn’t just visit our hospice, he eases anxiety and creates precious memories.”
Rachel Ellis, member of the Francis House homecare team

Kate Clarkson, Fergus and Rachael Ellis.

The BBC Make a Difference Awards recognise those who improve the lives of people where they live, and the Animal Award is awarded to either a remarkable animal or group of people who improve the welfare of animals.

Fergus is up against three other incredible nominations for the Animal Category Award including Ace the Oldham Mountain Rescue Search dog, Beau the Bernese Mountain dog, and dogs of the Reeva Programme.

Fergus’s owner Kate said: “I’m really proud of Fergus, it means an enormous amount to me for him to be nominated for this award. Fergus was a rescue dog. He’d spent nine years in a crate because he was on a puppy farm, and he’d never socialised with people. He’d never had a walk. He’d never been on a sofa. But very, very quickly he learned.

“When Fergus comes here he visits all the children. He doesn’t do tricks, he just is with them. For some of the young people he will lie on the bed and they can just put their hands on him. For other young people that are much more agile, they can come and cuddle him and feed him. Sometimes the young people who use electric wheelchairs take him for a walk. The wheelchair heads off and he travels along behind.

Fergus makes Connor feel relaxed and chilled.

“I’m also really pleased it’s here at Francis House that he was nominated for the award because Francis house means a massive amount to me. One of my granddaughters goes to the equivalent of Francis House in London because she has multiple disabilities and I can’t support her hospice, but I can support this one.”

Fergus is particularly fond of sausages and the children enjoy giving him a treat.

Rachel Ellis says Fergus also makes a difference to the lives of the children and families who are going through end of life care at the hospice.

“Fergus has supported a family here when they’ve been at end of life. He’s laid next to one of the children, and the child has opened her eyes, and it was the first time mum’s seen her open her eyes in quite a long time. Just knowing that comfort that Fergus gave that child, has left mum with that lasting memory”

Good luck Fergus, we’re all rooting for you. To find out how he did follow @bbcmanchester on Instagram and Facebook.