0:00:03 > 0:00:06One of the things I love about us Brits is our spirit of generosity.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10If I can give back to somebody who had a similar struggle to my own,
0:00:10 > 0:00:12then that's what I would like to do.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15Last year, nearly three quarters of us gave to charity.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18But what if you had the chance to go back
0:00:18 > 0:00:21and relive moments from your past?
0:00:21 > 0:00:23I wish I was 18 again.
0:00:23 > 0:00:24LAUGHTER
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- I'm expecting Mum and Dad to walk out now and say hello, you know? - Yeah.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30Moments which would inspire you to want to help someone today.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33I want to give back to those people that are going through that,
0:00:33 > 0:00:35that I went through in the beginning.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38If I can give something to somebody else that will change their lives,
0:00:38 > 0:00:40- I would really love to.- Fantastic.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44Someone who had no idea this life-changing windfall was coming.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47I have got, potentially, her dream
0:00:47 > 0:00:49in my hand.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- How are you feeling?- Nervous.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53There will be surprises...
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- How are you?- Very good.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- Thank you so much. - Thank you.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02..with acts of generosity that will change people's lives...
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Really excited.
0:01:05 > 0:01:06We are all crying.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- Do you need a hug as well? - Yeah, thanks.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11..for ever.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16Somebody that just does that for people, it's just amazing, it really is.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18This is Going Back, Giving Back.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Today I'm going back to the past,
0:01:27 > 0:01:32and it's a tale of how a four-legged friend turned one family's life around.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35We meet the mother whose little boy's life was changed for ever
0:01:35 > 0:01:37when he was given his beloved dog.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39It built Tom's confidence,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42it helped him through some tough patches that any teenager has.
0:01:42 > 0:01:43Of course.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48What's driving her to want to help someone today?
0:01:48 > 0:01:50You've been talking about your lovely dog.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Made a big difference to your life.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54Oh, absolutely.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57A huge difference in terms of the companionship.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01Can she transform the life of one brave young boy?
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- Snap!- Oh.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07And it's nerves all round as we prepare for the big surprise...
0:02:07 > 0:02:09How are you feeling?
0:02:09 > 0:02:13- Nervous.- How about you?- Nervous too.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16..with a gift that will transform his life.
0:02:16 > 0:02:17Oh, that's lovely.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31I've come to the beautiful rolling Buckinghamshire countryside to
0:02:31 > 0:02:34discover all about specially-trained assistance dogs, who can help people
0:02:34 > 0:02:38with disabilities lead more independent lives.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47The dogs are incredible, but you know,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50ten years ago they were only available to adults with disabilities,
0:02:50 > 0:02:55not children. Well, I'm on my way to meet a woman who changed all that.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04'61-year-old Hillary lives in a quiet village with her husband, Paul,
0:03:04 > 0:03:08'and 23-year-old disabled son Tom from a previous relationship.'
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- Who's this?- That's our dog, Fonzie.
0:03:11 > 0:03:12Mad boy.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15'Hillary is an incredibly resourceful woman who worked hard
0:03:15 > 0:03:18'to forge a career as a management consultant,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21'as well as give her son the best in life.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25'And she has now made the momentous decision to help someone whose life
0:03:25 > 0:03:27'mirrors her early life.'
0:03:27 > 0:03:28Can I get you a cup of tea?
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- Oh, I'd love one, yes. Thank you. - Right, thanks.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34So you've had an interesting life.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Yes, I think so, probably in more ways than one.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Hillary was facing life as a single mum when her son Tom was born
0:03:41 > 0:03:43ten weeks prematurely.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47When he was just a few days old, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50but Hillary was determined he would still lead a full life.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56So as Tom was growing up, the two of them travelled the world,
0:03:56 > 0:04:01visiting 14 countries, ranging from Australia to North America.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06I think I really wanted him to always have
0:04:06 > 0:04:08this positive attitude to life.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10I just wanted to show him,
0:04:10 > 0:04:12OK, maybe you're not able to walk,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15but you can still go and experience everything.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20But despite her positivity, Tom struggled with his confidence.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24However, Hillary discovered there was one thing that seemed to bring
0:04:24 > 0:04:25him out of his shell.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31Tom and I went to a little garden fete near here and they had the helping dogs that
0:04:31 > 0:04:34you can have, the petting dogs that people have in the hospital.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37And Tom was really enjoying this dog on his lap.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40And I had obviously seen assistance dogs in Britain, but I just thought,
0:04:40 > 0:04:44gosh, you know, it would be really good if we could have a dog working
0:04:44 > 0:04:48with Tom. And then I sort of investigated and found out that
0:04:48 > 0:04:50actually there weren't any dogs for children.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53It was just for adults, wasn't it?
0:04:53 > 0:04:56But Hillary discovered assistance dogs were being used for children in
0:04:56 > 0:05:00North America. So she researched what they were doing and approached
0:05:00 > 0:05:02a charity here.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04And after a few months, got what she wanted.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10At the age of 11, Tom became the first boy with special needs
0:05:10 > 0:05:12in the country to get an assistance dog.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16He was called Vigo, and they even appeared on Blue Peter.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19How has Vigo changed your life?
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Well, he's made me a lot happier
0:05:21 > 0:05:26and he's also helped me with practical things.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29Vigo sleeps on your bed, is that right?
0:05:29 > 0:05:31Yeah, he does.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33Does he keep you warm as well?
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- Yeah, he does.- Oh, and I bet he is your best mate, is he? - Of course he is.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- Of course he is.- Vigo revolutionised Tom's life and helped him achieve
0:05:41 > 0:05:43what he had only dreamed of.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50So what difference did Vigo make to Tom's life?
0:05:50 > 0:05:52Oh, he built Tom's confidence,
0:05:52 > 0:05:55helped him through some tough patches that any teenager has.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- Of course.- But there are other issues and more obstacles.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01I think we should meet Tom, don't you?
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- Yeah, he's down the corridor. - Right, come on, then, lead the way.- OK.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07Hillary is fiercely proud of Tom.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Despite his disabilities,
0:06:09 > 0:06:13he went away to Lancaster University and spent a year studying in North America,
0:06:13 > 0:06:17gaining a first-class degree in politics.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20He then went on to get a masters in US foreign policy.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- Nice to see you. - Nice to see you too.
0:06:23 > 0:06:24Just been hearing all about you.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26- It's all good.- Oh, good.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Tom's life was transformed when he got Vigo,
0:06:29 > 0:06:31who sadly passed away last year.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34We've been talking about your lovely dog.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Yes. Brilliant.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38Made a big difference to your life.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39Oh, absolutely, huge difference,
0:06:39 > 0:06:42in terms of the companionship.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44And what about for your confidence?
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Oh, it was massive.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51I mean, quite often you go unnoticed if you are in a wheelchair,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54so having the dog there is a big draw.
0:06:54 > 0:06:55And what about practically?
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Vigo did a lot for you, didn't he?
0:06:57 > 0:07:01Oh, yeah, in terms of helping, opening doors, picking stuff up
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- for me...- Really?- ..if I dropped it and all sorts of things. Yeah.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09And we were always teaching him new things,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12like how to switch off lights.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15'Over the past year, Hillary and her family have been saving money to
0:07:15 > 0:07:19'give assistance to a child in a similar situation today, in memory
0:07:19 > 0:07:21'of their beloved dog.'
0:07:21 > 0:07:22You can tell how much he meant to you.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Has it reinforced that desire you had to help other people?
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Oh, yeah, definitely.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- Don't you think, Tom?- Yeah.- We've always felt it was so important
0:07:31 > 0:07:34to be able to give back.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37I reckon, to even further reinforce that desire,
0:07:37 > 0:07:39I think we should go back in time,
0:07:39 > 0:07:40if you are keen. And I will take you somewhere.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Oh, gosh, OK.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- A little voyage of discovery, maybe. Shall we go?- Let's go.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- Come on, then. Tom, we will love you and leave you.- OK.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49- Follow me.- OK.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57We are taking Hillary back to where it all started.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02We are hoping it will evoke memories that will reinforce her desire
0:08:02 > 0:08:03to help someone today.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08So, I mentioned earlier on that we might be going back in time.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Where do you reckon we are going?
0:08:10 > 0:08:14From the look of where we are heading, I think it might be the charity.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- Could be.- It could be.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19LAUGHTER
0:08:19 > 0:08:21Hillary has got it in one.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24We are heading to the Dogs For Good training centre for assistance dogs
0:08:24 > 0:08:26in Banbury, Oxfordshire,
0:08:26 > 0:08:30where she and Tom learnt how to build a relationship with their dog, Vigo.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35When Tom was diagnosed to start with,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38that must have been such a frightening time for you.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Yeah.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43I think it was just so unexpected.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47You know, you just don't know how it's going to be.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- No.- It's... Just not sure how your life is going to turn out.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55And of course, until that happened to me,
0:08:55 > 0:08:58I'd never really had any experience of
0:08:58 > 0:09:00anybody with a disability.
0:09:00 > 0:09:05And how did you feel when the doctor told you about the diagnosis?
0:09:06 > 0:09:08I just felt...
0:09:10 > 0:09:11..shocked.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17I remember thinking, "I'm never going to smile again."
0:09:19 > 0:09:24It's interesting, isn't it? Because Tom has given me more joy...
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- It's funny, isn't it? - ..laughter and...
0:09:26 > 0:09:28But at the time it was...
0:09:29 > 0:09:32"Please tell me, you know, give me some certainty.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34"How this is going to work out?"
0:09:34 > 0:09:37And of course, they can't. Not with that diagnosis.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40So it's... Really, really
0:09:40 > 0:09:42a tricky thing to hear.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Tom got Vigo as he was turning 12.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48He had him by his side for seven years,
0:09:48 > 0:09:52until he was 18, when he left home to go to university
0:09:52 > 0:09:55and when his faithful friend went into retirement.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00And over the years, has it got easier?
0:10:00 > 0:10:01Yeah, it has.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03It's amazing...
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- I suppose it's amazing how resilient we are as humans.- Yeah.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12- And of course, you just, you grow with your child.- Uh-hm.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- Your life becomes that life that you have together.- Yeah.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18I think if somebody had said to me,
0:10:18 > 0:10:21"You will have a child who uses a wheelchair,"
0:10:21 > 0:10:24I would have not been able to cope with that if I'd known that right
0:10:24 > 0:10:28at the beginning. But as Tom just progressed and became his own person,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31it was like, he's Tom.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35He was a really funny little lad.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37He's very independent, isn't he?
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- Very independent. - Obviously gets that from you.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42Yeah, and his love of travel.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44So I'm really pleased, actually,
0:10:44 > 0:10:46because I always wanted that.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- I wanted him to see the world and think...- He certainly has with you. - "Great opportunities here."
0:10:50 > 0:10:53Tom's dog didn't just boost his confidence,
0:10:53 > 0:10:55it also gave him more independence,
0:10:55 > 0:10:59as he was taught how to assist Tom in basic tasks such as switching on
0:10:59 > 0:11:04the lights, picking up things, and even tucking him up in bed.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07It's funny that the dogs they gave to adults, but not to children.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11Yes, I don't actually know why they didn't do it.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13I think it's a slightly different thing.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18With the children, you work as a partnership, so an adult's with the child,
0:11:18 > 0:11:21mainly because they are big dogs,
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- and even though they are very well trained, they are still dogs.- Yeah.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27So if they see a cat right in front of their nose, you can't always...
0:11:27 > 0:11:34- A small child in a wheelchair couldn't necessarily hold on to a dog.- Got you, I see.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39I think this is going to be quite a poignant trip back in time for Hillary.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- We are going here, yeah? - Yeah, just in there.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Does it mean that much to you, this place?
0:11:46 > 0:11:47Yeah, I love it.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50It was really special.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53Hillary and Tom were here 12 years ago when they were united with their
0:11:53 > 0:11:57beloved Vigo. And all three of them spent a fortnight in intensive
0:11:57 > 0:11:58dog-training camp.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03Right, then, should we head in and go see some doggies?
0:12:03 > 0:12:04Yeah, let's see some doggies.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10Remembering how this special dog transformed Tom's life,
0:12:10 > 0:12:14and indeed her own, is certain to have an impact on Hillary.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17So, go on, what does it feel like, being back here?
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- It's like being back at home, almost.- Really?
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Yeah, it was a really special time that we had here together.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25And you weren't paired here with...
0:12:25 > 0:12:29No, they bring the dogs to you first.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32And I think that's a really nice thing, especially for the children.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37- And they really look at the child and match the personality of the dog.- Got you.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- And then you come here? - So when we came here,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43we didn't have that worry about, "What dog are we going to get?"
0:12:43 > 0:12:45We already knew we were going to get Vigo.
0:12:45 > 0:12:46And then we came here.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50We came here for ten days, two weeks, to do the training,
0:12:50 > 0:12:52but also for Vigo to bond with us.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Got you. So you stayed here as well?
0:12:54 > 0:12:56- Yeah, yes.- Can I have a look?
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- Yes, absolutely. - Well, you lead the way.- OK.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Tom was the first child in the UK to receive an assistance dog.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08But the idea of dogs helping humans rather than just being pets
0:13:08 > 0:13:13dates back to the 1930s when the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association was formed.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17Today, dogs can assist in lots of different disabilities,
0:13:17 > 0:13:19such as cerebral palsy, which Tom has.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27This is the place where an exciting new chapter in Hillary and Tom's
0:13:27 > 0:13:30extraordinary lives began with their dog, Vigo.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32DOGS BARK
0:13:32 > 0:13:36And our first stop is the very room all three of them stayed in.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37- So this is it?- Yeah.- OK.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Our own little hotel room.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- Yes.- With dog beds.
0:13:41 > 0:13:42With dog bed and dog bowl.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- I see, you're both in here, and then...- Yeah.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46Oh, you've got outside space as well.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48That's great.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Also, how great that you knew
0:13:50 > 0:13:52what was happening here was something very, very special.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Yeah, the start.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- The start of everything. - He was number one.
0:13:56 > 0:13:57He was number one.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Amazing that he was such a trailblazer, wasn't he?
0:14:00 > 0:14:03And it was very exciting.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Because I think also
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- the trainers, the charity, we were all learning together.- Yeah.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- Because they had never done it before with a child.- No.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12So it was a really interesting,
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- you felt like you were really at the beginning of everything.- I bet.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19We all sort of had such fun.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21And the three of you were in here together.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24We were, yes.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26And at first, Vigo stood at the door there,
0:14:26 > 0:14:28wanting to go back to his trainer.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- Oh, no. Heartbreaking.- It was awful.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- I bet.- He cried. And we felt terrible.
0:14:33 > 0:14:34But then over time, of course...
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Yes, over the two weeks that we were here,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39he was completely bonded with us by the end of it.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42OK. Well, listen, I might have another little surprise for you.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- Do you want to follow me?- Oh, OK.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Your face is a picture. Come on, then.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52There was one person responsible for matching Hillary and Tom with Vigo
0:14:52 > 0:14:55and helped with the training all those years ago.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- You might recognise this lady. - Hello!
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- Hello, you.- Nice to see you.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02How are you?
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- I'm well. How are you? - Oh, all right.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06A trip down memory lane.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Helen is director of training here,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11and has been at the charity for 26 years.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13It's a long time ago, you know, honestly.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15But it doesn't feel like it.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- No, it doesn't. - We had such a lovely time here.
0:15:17 > 0:15:18No, we did. We worked hard.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- Oh, really(?)- No, we did.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23I was just saying, he was a pioneer, wasn't he?
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- Absolutely.- Yes.- Yeah, yeah.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29Things have changed so much, but when we started working with you,
0:15:29 > 0:15:33that was basically just sort of pivotal for this charity.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37Vigo taught us a lot and Tom taught me an enormous amount.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44And it was in the 1980s that dogs began to be used to help people with
0:15:44 > 0:15:47other disabilities rather than just the blind.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52Today, assistance dogs are trained to help the deaf and the disabled
0:15:52 > 0:15:55with practical tasks, such as unloading the washing machine...
0:15:57 > 0:16:00..crossing the road...
0:16:00 > 0:16:02and even posting letters.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08There are also now medical detection dogs that can do things such as
0:16:08 > 0:16:10remind people to take their medication,
0:16:10 > 0:16:14or alert someone who's going to have an epileptic fit before it happens.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20So you put them through their paces here.
0:16:20 > 0:16:21Can we have a look at what you do?
0:16:21 > 0:16:25Absolutely. I think, probably, let's go up to the training hall,
0:16:25 > 0:16:27which is new.
0:16:27 > 0:16:28Oh, good.
0:16:28 > 0:16:34- It looks very different from when you were there.- Go on, then.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Coming up - we've been on the hunt for someone whose story will really
0:16:37 > 0:16:39resonate with Hillary,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42and we think we've found them.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45He's an incredible little boy.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49And with his wonderful mum, they are the mirror of Hillary and Tom.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- Never too old for a cuddle, are you? - Mm.- Mm.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57They think we are making a programme about children with disabilities.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01They have no idea the real reason behind Hillary's visit,
0:17:01 > 0:17:04and that they could be in for a life-changing gift from her.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13It's amazing what these assistance dogs can do,
0:17:13 > 0:17:17but will reliving the intensive training that they all went through 12 years ago
0:17:17 > 0:17:22inspire Hillary to give back even more today?
0:17:22 > 0:17:26We are joined here by Leanne, one of our trainers...and Skipper...
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- Hello, Skipper.- Hello, darling.
0:17:29 > 0:17:30..one of our golden retrievers.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Oh, he's beautiful.
0:17:34 > 0:17:35There's a good boy.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- Oh.- How long would it take the dog to learn to do something like that?
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Well, we find it is individual to each dog.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48So they all learn at different rates, very much like you and I, really.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51We usually anticipate the whole learning phase
0:17:51 > 0:17:52takes about six months.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58These intelligent dogs are trained to pick up and fetch things,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01and even help their owners get undressed and...
0:18:01 > 0:18:03turn on the lights.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07So using the light switch, again, is something he enjoys doing.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10So this is a sock off the...
0:18:10 > 0:18:14And again, at the moment we are keeping it easy.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17So not putting it on fully because it's about being successful.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20You want the dog to want to do it,
0:18:20 > 0:18:23so it's creating a situation where there's a really good chance of the dog
0:18:23 > 0:18:26having success and then going, "Oh, I like that."
0:18:26 > 0:18:30I'm amazed by... He takes it off and then drops it and then picks it up.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Yes. Again, that's down to him as an individual.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- I love that. - Not all dogs would do that.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- That's one job.- But you can tell that's how his brain is focusing,
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- it's awesome. - Puts it in compartments.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43I always remember, you always said to us,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45"Set it up for success,"
0:18:45 > 0:18:47and I always think of that.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50What else does he do, what else does he do?
0:18:50 > 0:18:52Does he sing?
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Can he open the door? Can he?
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Oh, go on, then.
0:18:56 > 0:18:57Hey!
0:18:57 > 0:18:59Good boy.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03This has been quite a vivid trip down memory lane for Hillary.
0:19:03 > 0:19:08Coming here today, I'm just bowled over by what this dog can achieve.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10Is it reinforcing that feeling that you want to help somebody?
0:19:10 > 0:19:15Absolutely. It's brought back all the memories of how it was for us
0:19:15 > 0:19:19when we were here, and that really exciting first few days
0:19:19 > 0:19:21bonding with our wonderful boy,
0:19:21 > 0:19:23but then the whole life that we had.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28And then obviously it would be amazing to be starting that journey
0:19:28 > 0:19:30again, for somebody else.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Well, listen, I will leave you two to reminisce.
0:19:32 > 0:19:38- OK.- I'll see you soon. - Thank you.- Bye.- Nice to see you.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42Revisiting where the adventure started with their assistance dog
0:19:42 > 0:19:44has been poignant for Hillary.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47So, go on, then, what does feel like being back here?
0:19:47 > 0:19:48It's like being back at home, almost.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- Really?- Yeah. It was a really special time that we had here together.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54So has remembering how their much-loved dog, Vigo,
0:19:54 > 0:19:57made such a difference to Tom's life.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01Quite often you go unnoticed if you are in a wheelchair,
0:20:01 > 0:20:04so having the dog there is a big draw.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12Hillary has such a strong connection with this place
0:20:12 > 0:20:15and coming back here today has just reinforced all those
0:20:15 > 0:20:16positive feelings. You know,
0:20:16 > 0:20:19it's easy to see that actually it's her son's success story that is
0:20:19 > 0:20:22driving her to want to give something back today.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26Of course, there are many people who could benefit from Hillary's generosity,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29but we think we've found somebody whose story will definitely
0:20:29 > 0:20:31strike a chord with her.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35The parallels between his life and Hillary's son Tom's life are remarkable.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39He is an amazing, inspirational young boy.
0:20:45 > 0:20:46In a suburb of Birmingham,
0:20:46 > 0:20:4912-year-old Bradley lives with his devoted mum, Sarah.
0:20:49 > 0:20:50Snap!
0:20:50 > 0:20:52Oh.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Bradley has a progressive muscle wasting disease that put him
0:20:55 > 0:20:58in a wheelchair at the age of nine.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Although she's married now, just like Hillary,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Sarah was a single mum for the first few years of Bradley's life.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08She's an incredible woman who does all she can to encourage her son.
0:21:10 > 0:21:15My mum is one of the most amazing people I could have in my life.
0:21:15 > 0:21:16And she just does...
0:21:16 > 0:21:18she does everything for me.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23She helps me so, so much, it is just really, really nice to have a person like that.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29Sarah has always kept a positive attitude and made sure she and Bradley
0:21:29 > 0:21:32deal with what life throws at them as best they can,
0:21:32 > 0:21:34just like Hillary did with Tom.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39And there's one thing that Bradley wants more than anything -
0:21:39 > 0:21:42an assistance dog, like Tom's Vigo.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46With these parallels, we've arranged for them to meet.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49I'm a little bit excited, bit nervous.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52I'm looking forward to hearing their story and I'm hoping there's
0:21:52 > 0:21:55something I can do to help them.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Hi.- Hi, you must be Sarah.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01- Yes, Hillary?- Yeah, hi.
0:22:01 > 0:22:02- Nice to meet you.- Nice to meet you.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- Come through.- Thank you.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12This meeting has the potential to transform Bradley and Sarah's life.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15So let's hope Hillary feels there is a connection.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Hi, Bradley.
0:22:17 > 0:22:18Hello, I'm Hillary.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20Lovely to meet you.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Sarah and Bradley think we are making a programme about children
0:22:23 > 0:22:27with disabilities. They have absolutely no idea they could be
0:22:27 > 0:22:30in line for a generous gift from Hillary.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Bradley, how are things with you?
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Do you go to a mainstream school, Bradley?
0:22:35 > 0:22:41Yeah, it's difficult because it's hard for other people to understand
0:22:41 > 0:22:45what I need and how they can help me.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49And I have quite a lot of bad days
0:22:49 > 0:22:52because there's people saying stuff.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54But it's like...
0:22:54 > 0:22:57It's, like, knowing they are all running around
0:22:57 > 0:22:59and just me watching them,
0:22:59 > 0:23:00it's difficult.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02That was the same for Tom.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06Tom was the only child at his school in a wheelchair.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- Yeah.- And like you,
0:23:08 > 0:23:13his friends would suddenly shoot off across the playground and Tom
0:23:13 > 0:23:17couldn't follow. So it's hard, isn't it, Bradley, when it's like that?
0:23:19 > 0:23:20Also like Tom,
0:23:20 > 0:23:24Bradley hasn't let his disability get in the way of making the most of life.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26What things do you really like, Bradley?
0:23:26 > 0:23:30What do you like to do, that really gives you a lot of pleasure?
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Well, I play football, wheelchair football.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36When I'm playing, it just takes my mind off everything.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38And I'm just concentrating on that one thing,
0:23:38 > 0:23:40so it just takes my mind off it
0:23:40 > 0:23:42and I'm just really happy.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47What Hillary would really like to discover is how important having an
0:23:47 > 0:23:49assistance dog would be to Bradley.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54So how come you actually decided you wanted to have a dog?
0:23:54 > 0:23:55I've always liked dogs.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58They've been my favourite animal.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02And I just would...
0:24:02 > 0:24:07Just because it's just hard for me to pick up stuff,
0:24:07 > 0:24:11do different stuff on my own because I have to do different things.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15And it would just be nice to have a companion with me and just to help me with
0:24:15 > 0:24:18a lot of the things that my mum needs to do.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Yeah, yeah. Is there anything in particular?
0:24:21 > 0:24:23It's more picking stuff up.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27Because my mum, when she goes to bed, she sleeps upstairs,
0:24:27 > 0:24:30and I'm down here on my own, I don't really have company.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- Yeah.- So it's...
0:24:33 > 0:24:35just a nice thing...
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- Yeah. They're lovely companions. - Yeah.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40They've always got a waggy tail.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46There is no doubt an assistance dog would make all the difference to Bradley.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52Hillary would also like to find out how Sarah has been coping
0:24:52 > 0:24:54as the primary carer to her son.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Unlike Tom, when Bradley was born,
0:24:56 > 0:24:59there were no signs that he was facing a life with disabilities.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04And how was it for you when you first had Bradley?
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Were you on your own with Bradley?
0:25:06 > 0:25:09I was on my own with Bradley when he was six months old.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Me and his dad split up.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14And I knew something was wrong with Bradley, but I didn't know what.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16I thought it was his stomach.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19And then when he got to the age of two,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21I noticed he kept falling all the time.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25I just thought, "Oh, he's got two left feet, he's just learnt to walk."
0:25:25 > 0:25:28So I took him to the doctors and then they noticed he was tiptoeing,
0:25:28 > 0:25:33so they sent us to the closest hospital to get a diagnosis
0:25:33 > 0:25:36to find out what was wrong with Bradley, really.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Wasn't expecting what I heard about him.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Bradley was just three when he was diagnosed with a form of
0:25:45 > 0:25:48muscular dystrophy. It's a condition which affects his muscles,
0:25:48 > 0:25:50causing them to weaken.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55It's a progressive illness, which will get worse over time.
0:25:55 > 0:25:56There is no cure.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01How did you feel when you heard that?
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Well, when you have children, you expect them to, you know...
0:26:04 > 0:26:06They want to play football,
0:26:06 > 0:26:08they will come and make something of themselves.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11And when you find out your child is going to end up in a wheelchair,
0:26:11 > 0:26:15it just rips your life from underneath you.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18I found out very quickly about Tom because he was born ten weeks prematurely
0:26:18 > 0:26:22and somebody told me straight away that he had brain damage.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25But a bit like you, although I knew that, but they said,
0:26:25 > 0:26:29"You won't know how badly disabled he will be until he doesn't
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- "hit those milestones."- Yeah. - So again, I think,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- you can't imagine that life, can you?- No.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39You can't imagine that they won't be able to walk.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43It's trying to get your head around that they're telling you that they
0:26:43 > 0:26:47are going into a wheelchair. And you're, like, "How is my little boy, who's only three,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49"going to end up in a wheelchair?"
0:26:49 > 0:26:52You just have got to change your life, how you do things with them.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55It is completely different.
0:26:55 > 0:26:56You're not a normal family,
0:26:56 > 0:27:00and you've got to find different ways of doing things.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Sarah had to give up her full-time job
0:27:02 > 0:27:06as a pensions company administrator to care for Bradley.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09Although he goes to mainstream school, when he's home,
0:27:09 > 0:27:11Sarah has to do everything for him.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14But just like Hillary,
0:27:14 > 0:27:17Sarah wants Bradley to experience as much in life as he can.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22OK, they're not having the life that perhaps everybody else thought they
0:27:22 > 0:27:25were going to have, but within that parameter,
0:27:25 > 0:27:28- what can we do that's going to make it special?- Yeah.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30Because with Bradley, I knew...
0:27:30 > 0:27:34They usually say the age of nine or ten, or nine to 12
0:27:34 > 0:27:36they're going to come off their feet,
0:27:36 > 0:27:38so I knew the first ten years of Bradley's life,
0:27:38 > 0:27:41I had to cram his life in that ten years
0:27:41 > 0:27:44so he got to do everything while he was still able.
0:27:44 > 0:27:49- I know they can when they are in the wheelchair, but it's more difficult. - Yeah.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54Bradley and Sarah would love an assistance dog like Hillary and Tom had.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58They're on the charity waiting list, but they don't know when, or even if,
0:27:58 > 0:28:00it will actually happen.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06Where are you in the process of... on the waiting list or whatever?
0:28:06 > 0:28:07Yeah, at the moment,
0:28:07 > 0:28:10we still don't know whether we are going to get a dog or not,
0:28:10 > 0:28:12which I'm really nervous about.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15Because obviously, it's that not knowing.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18I'm really nervous, because if it doesn't happen, then obviously...
0:28:18 > 0:28:20- The disappointment.- Yeah, exactly.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23And I don't want to disappoint him, really.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Do you know how long the process is, Sarah?
0:28:25 > 0:28:28I don't because I've waited two years...
0:28:28 > 0:28:30Being on the waiting list.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Really? That's a long waiting time.
0:28:33 > 0:28:34- It is.- That's a long process.- It is.
0:28:34 > 0:28:39- Obviously we were the first ones, so I suppose in a way we were lucky then.- Yeah.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44Hillary can see so much of herself in Sarah.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46I suppose for me it was always like,
0:28:46 > 0:28:48"I want Tom to have a positive attitude."
0:28:48 > 0:28:51And hopefully, if you do get a dog or anything like that,
0:28:51 > 0:28:54they open up so many different avenues.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58So I hope it's not because he's now in a wheelchair, that's the end.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01No. The problem is, Bradley is very attached to me.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05So I think having a dog might give him more independence and he might
0:29:05 > 0:29:07want to go and do more stuff.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Although they are really good with the practical things,
0:29:10 > 0:29:14but the real thing with children is all that social, emotional stuff.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17- Yes.- You know, the love that you have.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21And also the fact that people talk to you if you've got a dog,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24whereas they don't often talk to the kids.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- No, they don't, do they? They tend to ask you.- Yeah.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30"Is your child all right?" And it's like, "No, ask him."
0:29:30 > 0:29:31Just because he's in a wheelchair.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35- The dog's down there, with Bradley, or with Tom, and people come.- Wow.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37Makes them so much more confident.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40It really would help Bradley with his confidence.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43And like you say, it would be nice for Bradley to be
0:29:43 > 0:29:47looking after a dog rather than we're always constantly looking after him.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51And I think that would be, that would boost Bradley.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54And it is nice to speak to someone else who's actually gone through it,
0:29:54 > 0:29:58who's actually had the dog and lived the life with a dog,
0:29:58 > 0:30:00and the difference it makes.
0:30:00 > 0:30:05Tom said... He couldn't have imagined his life without Vigo.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11Seeing how desperate Bradley is for an assistance dog has obviously
0:30:11 > 0:30:16touched Hillary. He and mum Sarah remind Hillary of Tom and herself
0:30:16 > 0:30:18before they got their beloved Vigo.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Sarah, it's been lovely meeting you.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24- Thank you.- Take care.- I will do.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26- Take care, bye.- Bye.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33It was very moving.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36They have a huge amount to cope with.
0:30:36 > 0:30:42And if I can give back and help bring a bit of joy into their lives,
0:30:42 > 0:30:44that would be just a fabulous thing to do.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52There's no doubt Hillary feels a strong bond with Sarah and Bradley,
0:30:52 > 0:30:56and completely understands the challenges they are dealing with.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58They are kindred spirits.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01But before making up her mind whether she can help them,
0:31:01 > 0:31:05she's going to discuss this important decision with her son, Tom,
0:31:05 > 0:31:07and his stepdad, her husband, Paul.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09- Hi, darling. - Hi, love.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13- How did you get on?- Yeah, OK.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17- Hi, Tom.- Hiya.- I wanted to just have a chat because obviously you don't
0:31:17 > 0:31:20- know where I've been the last couple of days.- No.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22Would you like anything else?
0:31:22 > 0:31:25No, I think that's great, thank you.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29It's really been quite emotional, actually,
0:31:29 > 0:31:32because I went to meet Sarah and Bradley.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36And, Tom, it was really strange because it really reminded me of our
0:31:36 > 0:31:39life together before Vigo.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42And I think for Bradley it would be like for you, Tom,
0:31:42 > 0:31:44really giving him a lot more confidence.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48Yeah, definitely, that was the main thing...
0:31:48 > 0:31:50above everything else.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53They've been on the waiting list at Dogs For Good for two years.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55- Two years?- Yeah.- Blimey.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00And they are waiting to hear whether they will get a dog or paired with a dog.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04But Sarah's journey with Bradley has been really similar, actually,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07to how you and I were, Tom.
0:32:07 > 0:32:08She found out when he was three
0:32:08 > 0:32:11that he had Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14So, Sarah gave up work.
0:32:14 > 0:32:20- She's been on her own with Bradley for a number of years.- Yeah.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24Obviously trying to look after him, but similar to us,
0:32:24 > 0:32:27she's always had a really positive attitude.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29It has really touched you, hasn't it?
0:32:29 > 0:32:31Really touched me.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35I just felt I was almost going back down our life story.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37It does seem that way.
0:32:37 > 0:32:42For me, it would be so incredible if we could help them to have that
0:32:42 > 0:32:45special partnership that we had.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47- I agree.- Yeah?- What do you think?
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Well, for me, I guess...
0:32:51 > 0:32:55..we've been saving for a year and I never expected to get
0:32:55 > 0:32:58the opportunity of seeing where the money could go.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01I think it would be just amazing, wouldn't it,
0:33:01 > 0:33:06to actually be able to see the joy of a new partnership starting?
0:33:06 > 0:33:10And it would be such a lovely thing in memory of our darling Vigo.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13Vigo gave you some of the most amazing experiences, didn't he?
0:33:13 > 0:33:15Yes, absolutely.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18And I am sure Bradley, once he has the dog,
0:33:18 > 0:33:22will have just as many wonderful experiences
0:33:22 > 0:33:26as I did for 11 years or so.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30It's an amazing... You can't really put words to it, even,
0:33:30 > 0:33:32or a price on it.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35It just is such a wonderful thing.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37So, that's agreed, then?
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- Yes.- Totally, yeah.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42Great. That's fantastic.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44I just wanted to make sure you were both OK.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47- 100%.- I absolutely want that to happen.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53Having the family's full support to give a life-changing gift to Bradley
0:33:53 > 0:33:55and Sarah is essential to Hillary.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57By introducing them,
0:33:57 > 0:34:00we've found a family that are going through a similar experience to what
0:34:00 > 0:34:01she and Tom did.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06We've gone back. Now Hillary needs to move forward,
0:34:06 > 0:34:09and it's time for us to have a catch-up.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22I'm really looking forward to seeing Hillary again.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24It's been a week, and during that time
0:34:24 > 0:34:27I know she's met up with Bradley and his mum.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30The similarities in both families' stories are remarkable.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33They've both shown such great resilience and strength,
0:34:33 > 0:34:37getting on with life. And also, seeing Bradley and his mum must have reminded Hillary of
0:34:37 > 0:34:39bringing up her own son, Tom.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42But I wonder if she's ready to change someone's life for ever.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45It's a big decision to make, isn't it?
0:34:45 > 0:34:46Let's go and find out.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54Tom has joined mum Hillary to meet me close to where Bradley is playing
0:34:54 > 0:34:58wheelchair football, watched on by his mum, Sarah.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02Time to find out exactly what Hillary and Tom are going to do with
0:35:02 > 0:35:04the money the family have been saving for the past year.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08Hello, you two. How are you?
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- Oh, hi.- Nice to see you.- Hiya.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12- Lovely to see you again. - How's it going?
0:35:12 > 0:35:13Good. Very nice.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16- Just needed the sun.- Yeah, well, we can't have everything.- No.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18So, you've met up with Bradley and his mum.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21- Yeah.- How did it go? - It was fantastic, actually,
0:35:21 > 0:35:25and it was really interesting because it brought back so many memories of
0:35:25 > 0:35:29- how Tom and I had been together before we got Vigo.- Yeah.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33It's a very similar situation in that Bradley and his mum have been
0:35:33 > 0:35:35on their own for quite a long time.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39And obviously Sarah, similar to me,
0:35:39 > 0:35:43had taken that decision that, "This is a really tricky situation that we are facing.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46"But I'm going to make it as positive as possible."
0:35:46 > 0:35:48You could definitely see the parallels, then.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51- Yeah, definitely.- I suppose the million dollar question is,
0:35:51 > 0:35:53have you two spoken about what you're going to do?
0:35:53 > 0:35:56- Yeah, we have, haven't we, Tom? - Yeah, we both agreed that it would
0:35:56 > 0:36:01be really good to put some of the money that has been saved forward
0:36:01 > 0:36:04to helping them get a dog,
0:36:04 > 0:36:07training a dog that they can have for themselves.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09Wow. That would be amazing.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13So this will make owning a dog much more of a reality, won't it,
0:36:13 > 0:36:16if you pay for the training? How much is it going to cost?
0:36:16 > 0:36:19I think the training is going to cost about 2,500.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21Goodness me, that's very generous of you.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24This money will pay for a residential training course
0:36:24 > 0:36:27for Sarah, Bradley and an assistance dog,
0:36:27 > 0:36:30like the one Hillary and Tom went on with their dog, Vigo.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Hillary has put down on paper what she and her family intend to do.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36I can't wait to see their faces when we give them the news.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38- You've got your letter? - I have got my letter, yes.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40- Should we go and surprise them? - Yeah, let's go.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42Come on, let's do it.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47It's the moment of truth.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Coming clean to Bradley and Sarah with what we've really been up to,
0:36:50 > 0:36:54and for them to discover how Bradley's life is about to change.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56So, how WILL they react?
0:36:58 > 0:37:00SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
0:37:08 > 0:37:12- So, Bradley and his mates are in the sports hall playing football, by all accounts.- Right.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Of course, they've got no idea that we are coming.
0:37:15 > 0:37:16Neither has his mum.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19- How are you feeling?- Nervous.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21- How about you?- Nervous, too.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23Don't be too nervous, it's a great thing you're doing,
0:37:23 > 0:37:25it's an amazing thing you're doing.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27And it's going to make such a difference to his life, isn't it?
0:37:27 > 0:37:30- As you know more than anyone. - Brilliant.
0:37:32 > 0:37:33- It's in there.- Right.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39It's a good match going on.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41Hi, guys. How are you?
0:37:42 > 0:37:44Where is Bradley?
0:37:44 > 0:37:45Come over here, Bradley.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47Is Sarah around?
0:37:47 > 0:37:49Come on, Sarah, come here.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52I'm Aled Jones - from the BBC.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56Now, you thought we were doing a programme about childhood
0:37:56 > 0:37:59and disabilities. That's only part of the story.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04- How are you?- Hi, Sarah.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06She's got the rest.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10Sarah, I was really touched by your story when I came and met you
0:38:10 > 0:38:13and Bradley. It reminded me so much of how Tom
0:38:13 > 0:38:18and I had been before we got our lovely dog, Vigo, and...
0:38:18 > 0:38:22I've got a letter for you and I would like you to read it.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25If you can read it out loud, if that's all right?
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- I'm not good at reading things like this. - THEY CHUCKLE
0:38:31 > 0:38:34"Dear Sarah and Bradley, it was so good to meet you both last week.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38"Your story touched my heart and brought memories back to my life
0:38:38 > 0:38:42"with Tom before we got our dog, Vigo.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46"What really inspired me was your fighting spirit and Bradley's
0:38:46 > 0:38:48"passion for the things he loves.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52"Together we have searched for the positives despite the challenges you
0:38:52 > 0:38:57"both faced. The greatest gift that came to Tom and I was our beautiful,
0:38:57 > 0:38:59"gentle friend Vigo.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02"His waggily tail and constant companionship
0:39:02 > 0:39:05"opened up a whole new live for the both of us.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08"He brought joy and happiness to us and we felt blessed
0:39:08 > 0:39:13"to have him. It would be my greatest joy to be part of creating
0:39:13 > 0:39:15"special partnerships for you.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17"Over the past year, Tom and my husband and I
0:39:17 > 0:39:19"have all been donating money
0:39:19 > 0:39:21"to the Dogs For Good charity,
0:39:21 > 0:39:25"and I'm happy to say that the money we raised is going to be used...
0:39:31 > 0:39:34"..to pay for the training course at the charity centre in Banbury.
0:39:34 > 0:39:39"It will be great for us to know that our gift to the charity will be
0:39:39 > 0:39:42"able to help in such a meaningful way.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44"With our warmest wishes, Hillary and Tom."
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Oh, that's lovely.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51You all right? You've got me going now.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54Look at you. Is that going to make a big difference to you?
0:39:54 > 0:39:55Yes. My gosh.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02I know how much it will mean,
0:40:02 > 0:40:06because it meant so much to Tom and me. You know...
0:40:06 > 0:40:08- (Thank you.)- We loved our Vigo
0:40:08 > 0:40:11and he's always in our memory.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13And if we could do this, it's going to
0:40:13 > 0:40:15bring Vigo to life for us again, you know?
0:40:15 > 0:40:18You're going to have such a lovely time.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21And we really hope that we can be there with you...
0:40:21 > 0:40:24- Yes, you definitely will. - ..to enjoy it.- Yes, definitely.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26No, thank you. Thank you so much.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37To give Bradley a taster, we've brought a dog down.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41How would you feel like if you had a dog like that?
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Already - it really helped me. It would just be amazing.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48So, now you've got a dog, you will be able to go out everywhere.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52For me, it was such a big thing for my confidence,
0:40:52 > 0:40:54you know, being able to go out with a dog.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57They are just brilliant, they are brilliant to have.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59I really hope you enjoy it.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03And it will help you out a lot, I hope, like it did with me.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- They're so well-behaved. - They are amazing.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08- Absolutely amazing.- Yes.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10I'm really pleased all of this has worked out.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Really pleased. We were very, very nervous. I'm sorry to surprise you like that.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- That's OK.- I will leave you to your football match, then.- OK.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18Score a goal for me.
0:41:18 > 0:41:19See you later.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24WHISTLE BLOWS
0:41:27 > 0:41:30I just can't believe it. I can't believe it's happening.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34I think it's just amazing, I wasn't expecting this.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37You know, we were still thinking we were still going through the process
0:41:37 > 0:41:39of not knowing if we were going to get a dog or not.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41And then all of a sudden, today,
0:41:41 > 0:41:44I've just found out that we've got the training sorted
0:41:44 > 0:41:47and that we are going to get a dog. And I just think it's brilliant.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50More for Bradley, you know, and us as a family.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53I think it's just brilliant, it really is.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Just amazing because the thought of getting a dog...
0:41:56 > 0:42:02That can help me and do lots of things for me, and help me a lot.
0:42:02 > 0:42:03It's just really, really good.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07I was just so pleased that actually
0:42:07 > 0:42:10neither Sarah or Bradley had any idea.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14It was so great to see the look of shock,
0:42:14 > 0:42:17also happy surprise on their faces.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21And I think they're both going to go home and not quite believe it.
0:42:21 > 0:42:28Just to give someone else the opportunity to have the amazing 11,
0:42:28 > 0:42:3012 years that I had, is really...
0:42:30 > 0:42:34It's not something I thought I would ever be able to do.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38And I know it's going to be just as amazing for them as it was for us.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40It is very exciting, I can't wait.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51When he was growing up, Tom's dog, Vigo, obviously meant the world to him.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54And now, thanks to Hillary and Tom's generosity,
0:42:54 > 0:42:57Bradley is well on the way to getting his own miracle dog
0:42:57 > 0:43:01that will surely enhance and better his life.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04Isn't it incredible the difference a four-legged friend can make?
0:43:06 > 0:43:10Since filming, the family have had a visit from a golden retriever called Gus.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12He was brilliant, wasn't he?
0:43:12 > 0:43:14- Yeah.- Absolutely brilliant.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17He's so calm and the things he can do is amazing.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19It's a long process,
0:43:19 > 0:43:24but they have their fingers crossed that he is the dog for Bradley.