Man sharing assistance dog story to help charity

A former tree surgeon who suffered a devastating injury is lending his support to an assistance dog charity which helped him rebuild his life.

James Crossley, from Shropshire, was paralysed after a fall at work and Canine Partners was able to find him two dogs to help get his independence back.

The 46-year-old said: "I became more confident going out and was able to do so much more."

The charity is now featuring his story as part of its social media and fundraising material to highlight the work it does.

His injury came when he fell while dismantling an ash tree and suffered a severe head injury, two broken vertebrae and multiple fractures.

He had to be placed on life support and doctors warned his family he might not survive.

He ended up paralysed from the chest down and said he had to relearn basic skills such as speaking, eating and drinking.

In 2012, Canine Partners found him an assistance dog called Winter who helped with simple tasks such as retrieving dropped items, pressing lift buttons and opening doors.

The charity said it made life less physically demanding and Crossley said the black labrador helped with his confidence too.

"Before, I was shy and held back, but Winter became my icebreaker," he said.

In 2022, Winter died, but the charity was able to find him another dog called Dawn and she brought another change in his life.

While he was getting to know Dawn he met Jess, who was also being matched with a second assistance dog and the two of them started a relationship.

The charity said he was now "looking ahead to a future full of possibility".

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