WITH THEIR remarkable sense of smell, research has shown that dogs are capable of sniffing out diseases*, including cancer, which is why North East cancer charity FACT (Fighting All Cancers Together) is giving back to our four-legged friends as well as families affected by cancer in the region.
As 2018 is the Year of the Dog, it’s time to celebrate and thank our incredible furry friends, and recent research has indicated that they’re not just about cute tail wagging and playing fetch…
Dogs have a remarkable sense of smell, and once trained as Medical Detection Dogs, they can detect certain odours linked to cancer and other diseases, which has great potential for the future of early detection and diagnosis. Founder and CEO at FACT, Joanne Smith, said: “Dogs are amazing animals, and play a significant role in many families’ lives.
“There’s proof that dogs can aid in the detection of some cancers and support people living with medical conditions, and as a dog owner myself, I know they become a huge part of your family.
“We provide essential support services for individuals and families who have been affected by cancer, and have recently started to provide essentials for dogs and other family pets within our ‘kindness kits’ too. The ‘kindness kits’ include essentials such as toiletries, food and clothing for those facing financial pressures during treatment, but we’re now offering other necessities for pet owners, such as pet food, bedding and treats.”
Marking the charity’s 10th birthday, 2018 is set to be an exciting year for FACT, with plenty of fundraising events taking place throughout the year. There will be a ‘Cancer Charity Dog Walk’ at Leazes Park, Newcastle, on Sunday 25 March, where humans and dogs of all ages are welcome. With the option of a main dog walk (5km) or a little legs dog walk (2.5km), it’s an event for the whole family to enjoy. Joanne’s dog Freddie, who’s also the FACT mascot, will be there to help support the event.
Sign up at www.active.com and search FACT Dog Walk, or call 0191 442 0833 (option ‘0’) to request an entry form. Adult entries (16+) are £5, and child entries (4-15) are £3 (toddlers free).
If you, a friend or family member would benefit from support whilst living with cancer, please contact FACT on 0191 442 0833 or go to www.fact-cancersupport.co.uk.
FACT is currently appealing for donations for a new telephone system after experiencing technical issues over Christmas. Its current system urgently needs to be replaced so the team can keep in touch with cancer patients and service users. To make a donation please go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/fact-cancersupport/newphonesforfact?social_utm_term=559nxeii0
*http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04wpnt7