Meet David and Aisha.
David’s brother, Peter, previously brought Aisha to the Royal Free Hospital to visit patients and offer them some comfort.
After Peter died in 2023, David was keen to continue his brother’s legacy and now brings Aisha to the hospital every week.
“She’s terribly intelligent and she’s so gentle,” said David.
After his death, I said, ‘I will take over.’ I started volunteering last year and Aisha still knows her way around the hospital.
Aisha began life in Romania as a working dog until she got her leg caught in a trap which led to her amputation. Peter then adopted her three years ago.
David said: “I sometimes get some funny looks as she’s hopping along as though people are thinking, ‘Have I got the wrong building?’ like I should be at the vets. But she can run. In the mornings she runs off like a rocket!”
David and Peter shared a love of animals – David previously owned 20 cats – and so volunteering is another way to feel closer to his late brother while helping staff and patients.
The brothers also bonded over a love of photography – Peter was an assistant to the famous photographer Richard Avedon. David now utilises those skills while volunteering.
David explained: “I try to sense before I get to people if they’re happy to see Aisha. Being a photographer, I feel the vibes.”
He added: “Patients love Aisha, they specially request her. When I walk in, a lot of patients or people visiting and staff want to say hello. Aisha loves it too.”
David is so keen to help people that he even puts aside his dislike of hospitals.
He said: “I don’t love hospitals. My daughter spent time [in hospital] and I was in for weeks, but I really like to bring Aisha.”
The charity has 18 therapy dogs across the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust’s hospitals. The dogs contribute to patient and staff wellbeing thanks to their ability to lower blood pressure, increase feel-good hormones and reduce stress.