A young Addenbrooke's patient who came close to death after a serious infection is home for Christmas thanks to a a loveable labradoodle named Poppy.
Evie Evans, 13, was left unable to walk after significant muscle weakening following two months of heavy sedation.
She is now back on her feet following what is believed to be the first NHS paediatric physiotherapy project involving a dog.
Evie, who has Down's syndrome, was taken from Harlow to Addenbrooke's in July. She had a severe respiratory infection with complications and needed to be heavily sedated and put on maximum oxygen in order to recover.
After an eight-week battle to save her, critical care clinicians were able to bring her around and start the long process of bringing her back to health, so she could build up her muscles and learn to walk again.
Evie met labradoodle Poppy through the pilot project, led by paediatric physiotherapist Jonny Littlewood and his team, along with Pets As Therapy (PAT) volunteer Lisa Smart.
Nine-year-old Poppy has been cheering up patients elsewhere at Addenbrooke's for the past three years.
Evie's mum Sara 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 started her treatment sitting with Poppy, gently throwing a ball and reaching out with treats or for a pat.
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Eventually she took a walk with the help of Jonny, Lisa, Poppy and the parallel bars.
To encourage her to take her first steps, her physio team also promised to perform Beyonce's iconic 'Single Ladies' dance - which they fulfilled to Evie's delight.
Evie is now back at home, and will walk to the dinner table on Christmas Day with the aid of sticks and her family.
Sara said: “We could not be more proud of what she has achieved – or grateful to those who have helped. That includes Poppy."
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