When Jacob met Ralph the cockapoo, the cheeky pair formed an instant friendship and have been inseparable ever since.
Jacob, nine, of Leyland, has a serious lung condition and was referred to Derian House Children’s Hospice one year ago.
The youngster, who has Down’s Syndrome, is very poorly and has been in and out of hospital throughout his short life.
But this doesn’t stop Jacob from getting into mischief with best friend Ralph, the puppy who came into his life last year.
Alongside his mum and dad, Jacob will be walking with Ralph every day in February – in the hopes that the keen cockapoo will be ‘Top Dog’ in Derian House’s latest fundraising challenge.
“Jacob and Ralph are best buddies – they’re both very cheeky when they’re together,” said Andy Privett, Jacob’s dad.
“We want to do as much as we can for the hospice that cares for our family. We thought that Top Dog would be a great way to support Derian House because Jacob can take part in some of it too.”
The family has been getting their steps up by walking around local parks in Leyland, as well as hiking up Rivington Pike and visiting Lytham for some walks on the beach.
“Jacob and Ralph are so close, they love spending time together,” continued Andy.
“Although Jacob is non-verbal, he has his own way of communicating – and you can see it in the way he interacts with Ralph. Jacob likes to leave his favourite toys in Ralph’s bed for him to play with – we often find his Toot-Toot toys lying around covered in chew marks. And when we’re reading stories at night, Ralph joins us and likes to steal Jacob’s teddies. The two of them always sit together at the windowsill waiting for Jacob’s school bus to come.
“Ralph is still a bit naughty because he’s a puppy. He’s always getting muddy, and he’ll eat anything. He stole half a chicken off our barbeque last summer and was running around the garden with it in his mouth.
“Jacob is always full of beans too. Despite everything, he is such a happy little boy. He’s incredibly tough and always smiling. He’s great fun to be around – he’s a whirlwind.”
Jacob enjoys visiting Derian House to swim in the hydrotherapy pool and to relax in the colourful sensory room.
“When we first heard the word hospice we had no idea what to expect,” said Andy.
“It is not at all what you would think. Jacob loves to visit. Derian House is a fantastic place – which is why we want to take part in Top Dog.”
Derian’s Top Dog has seen 51 dogs and their owners taking part throughout the month of February. Come rain or shine, they have vowed to walk a total of 100km to raise money for the hospice that cares for more than 400 babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions from across the North West.
Ellie Smith, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: “We wish Jacob and his best friend Ralph the best of luck with their Top Dog challenge for Derian House – we are so proud of them.
“Thank you to everyone who has put their walking boots on to take part in this year’s Top Dog event. We couldn’t do what we do without our kind-hearted supporters and their furry friends.”
Donate to Jacob and Ralph’s challenge.
Derian House, based in Astley Village, Chorley, cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Find out more: www.derianhouse.co.uk
