‘I can watch Man City safely as my support dog spots my seizures’ | Manchester News

Football fan Lynn Ratcliffe, 66, has had to live with epilepsy for 27 years, knowing that any time during a match she could have a seizure.

But as Lynn, from Stockport, settles in for the start of the new Premier League season, watching her heroes Manchester City, she can be comforted by the knowledge that her dog Barnby is fully trained to cope with the situation.

Golden Labrador Barnby is the third, and latest, in a series of devoted support dogs to have ensured Lynn’s wellbeing – sensing impending seizures and alerting Lynn, in one case nearly half an hour before the seizure occured.

“He has allowed me to live as independently as possible and be able to go to matches safely,” says Lynn.

While attending a Stockport County game last year, Lynn recalls how Barnby sensed the approach of a seizure, prompting Lynn to seek help from First Aid.

She explained how the dog suddenly focused all of its attention and knelt down in front of her.

“He just stares at you, and that is when I need to get somewhere safe,” says Lynn.

Scientists have been unable to explain why these dogs seem to have an innate ability to sense the onset of a seizure.

A spokeswoman for charity Support Dogs said it is thought to be linked to a scent the body gives off ahead of a seizure, but it is not understood how a dog senses the implicit danger.

And this season, Barnby comes armed with a brand new skill.

In anticipation of the huge crowds at the Etihad Stadium, he has received special training, courtesy of Support Dogs, which has prepared him for dealing with restricted spaces and large gatherings of people.

According to Lynn, fellow supporters at City, treat her support dogs as just another fan.

The club’s former disability officer even made a mocked-up season ticket for her previous dog, Simba, who retired just under two years ago – even though assistance dogs don’t actually need a ticket.

More recently, Lynn took Barnby to the Oasis gig at Wembley, once again, fully prepared and wearing improvised ear defenders.

But Barnby appears to have been unimpressed by his golden ticket and the boys from Burnage.

“He slept through the whole gig!” she said.