A Crayford woman has told how her four-legged friend changed her life, twelve years after a "horrendous" four-day labour left her disabled.

Nicola Gibbs, 48, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) six months after giving birth to her only daughter, and is now confined to a wheelchair.

Mrs Gibbs said: "Over the years I got progressively worse and became scared to go out on my own.

"When my husband was not home I was house bound again, incapable of even the easiest of tasks, lonely and fed up."

In July last year, a despondent Mrs Gibbs applied to Canine Partners - who gave her a "beautiful" yellow Labrador called Ola, and a new lease of life.

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Mrs Gibbs’ remarkable pooch can answer the phone, hand money to cashiers, fetch items from supermarket shelves, push buttons at zebra crossings, open and close any drawer in the house, and even undress her owner for bed.

It is also thanks to Ola that Mrs Gibbs’ husband did not have to go quit his job and become a full-time carer.

Mrs Gibbs added: "Ola loves to work and learn new things, it's all a game.

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"She's by my side all the time, a brilliant companion and friend.

"Slowly my confidence is building both at home and out-and-about.

"My family and I say a massive ‘thank you’ to everybody who has helped bring Ola into our lives.

"She has, almost, given me back my arms, legs and a life.

"Sometimes I still feel really low. I don't want to go out - but Ola looks at me and I know we have to go.

"I always feel better when we return home. I have achieved something."

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Canine Partners is celebrating 25 years of changing lives with their range of Christmas products and presents - including cards, sponsorship opportunities, novelty jumpers, kids' toys and decorations.

Click here or call 0846 580480.