How Barnby the Support Dog Changed Lynn’s Life – And How You Can Leave a Life-Saving Legacy

Lynn Ratcliffe, a lifelong Manchester City fan from Cheadle, lives with epilepsy. Her seizures can strike without warning, sometimes leaving her unaware of what she’s doing and in potentially dangerous situations. “The big ones are the focal ones where I lose awareness,” Lynn explains.

But Lynn’s life changed dramatically when she met Barnby, her three-year-old support dog. Trained by the Support Dogs charity, Barnby isn’t a pet – he’s a lifeline.

Barnby: More Than a Dog

Barnby can detect the subtle signs that a seizure is coming, giving Lynn a vital 29-minute warning. “That gives me enough time to either seek help if I’m out and about, find somewhere safe, or call someone to pick me up,” she says. Barnby sits in front of her, nudges her leg, and alerts her to danger, allowing her to live safely and independently.

It’s a remarkable skill, and it’s part of a rigorous training process that takes two and a half years and costs around £30,000 per dog. Without donations and gifts left in wills, dogs like Barnby would never reach the people who need them most.

The Life-Changing Impact of Support Dogs

For Lynn, Barnby is a companion who restores her freedom. She can attend football matches safely, interact confidently in daily life, and enjoy moments most people take for granted. “Something about Barnby has just captured something deep within me. He’s absolutely gorgeous,” Lynn says.

Stories like Lynn’s illustrate the enormous difference support dogs make – and the cost of creating these life-changing partnerships. Training is expensive, and the need is growing.

How Gifts in Wills Make a Difference

Legacy gifts are one of the most powerful ways to support people like Lynn and dogs like Barnby. A gift in your will helps fund the training, care, and ongoing support of future generations of life-saving dogs.

Every legacy ensures:

• More support dogs can be trained to help autistic children and people with epilepsy and other disabilities.
• Families gain safety, independence, and peace of mind.
• The bond between human and dog continues to transform lives long into the future.

Imagine the difference your gift could make – giving someone the confidence to go about their day safely, the freedom to enjoy life fully, and the companionship of a devoted support dog.

Leave a Legacy of Compassion

Lynn and Barnby’s story is a vivid reminder of what’s possible when support dogs and generous supporters come together. By leaving a gift in your will, you can help ensure that more people experience the safety, joy, and independence that Barnby brings to Lynn’s life.

Why not consider leaving a life-saving legacy? A gift in your will today can train the Barnbys of tomorrow and give people like Lynn the independence they deserve.

---

If you would like more information, please contact our Legacy Team: 0114 261 7800
[email protected]

We’ll send you our free Legacy Giving Pack, with guidance, example wording, and details on the difference your legacy can make.