Camp Simcha has gone to the dogs to help seriously ill children.

Engagement with animals has been shown to significantly reduce pain, anxiety and fatigue to those with health problems. As part of the charity's Paws For Fun service, three dogs and their owners have been trained for visits to families, initially in the London area, who could benefit from animal assisted therapy.

The service is being co-ordinated by Camp Simcha family liaison officer Mandy Isaacs, who said: "Studies of the human/animal companion bond reveal that interactions with animals increase endorphins promoting relaxation, pain relief, stress relief and joy. There are also the benefits of just simply enjoying some play time with animals.

"It's not only the ill person who reaps the benefits. Family members and friends who sit in on animal visits say they feel better, too. Animals also can be taught to reinforce rehabilitative behaviours in patients, such as throwing a ball or walking."

Gavriel Rosenfeld, 14, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, has just had his third visit from Benji, a brown retriever. Mum Kerry said that "in a family where a child has complex medical needs, having the responsibility of a dog is a lot to take on. With Benji it's wonderful because we have the pleasure of a pet without the responsibility.

Interactions promote pain relief, stress relief and joy

"All the children love Benji's visits but he really connects with Gavriel, who is able to completely relax and be at ease when he is there. It's time that Gavriel can enjoy that has nothing to do with his medical condition.

"Benji's owner is also wonderful. He spends the whole time sitting and chatting to Gavriel while he plays with Benji. Together they bring so much happiness into our home."

White Bichon Frise Molly is a weekly visitor to eight-year-old Nix, who has Spastic Dystonic quadriplegia cerebral palsy, blindness and regular seizures, as well as other complications.

Nix's sister Adi has a less severe form of Spastic Dystonic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. "The girls love Molly," said mum Karen. "She is very sweet and Adi likes to get her to do tricks. Nix cannot see but she likes the feel of Molly, even though she is not usually tactile.

"Nix also loves the sound of Molly's paws scrabbling around on our laminate floor - she thinks it's hysterical." The visits also help with muscle control.

"They have to learn to stroke her gently and control their arm movements, which is very good for them."