GLUSBURN women heard an inspirational tale of a woman and her assistance dog.

A woman called Alice took her labrador Holly with her to Glusburn and Cross Hills Women’s Institute to talk about Medical Assistant Dogs.

Alice spoke about the positive impact on her life from Holly.

At the age of 15 Alice’s life was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with diabetes. This meant she was regularly found unconscious, and she had to spend more than three years in hospital.

She was assigned with Holly, who has been trained to alert her to any changes in her blood sugar levels by licking her hand and going to fetch her medical kit.

Dogs like Holly are chosen for their scenting ability, detecting minute odours associated with cancers and other diseases, and they support individuals with complex health conditions.

Having Holly by her side has enabled Alice to live a near-normal life and fulfil some of her dreams like taking her GCSEs, meeting royalty and taking part in a skydive to raise money for Medical Assistant Dogs and Rays of Sunshine.

A spokesman for the Women’s Institute, said: “Alice is an excellent speaker and an inspiration to us all.”

After the talk, WI members served teas and home baking. The group will have its summer outing on Tuesday, July 4. BWI meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7.30pm at Cross Hills Social Club.