v A miniature Schnauzer pet therapy dog has brought such happiness to a Camp Simcha family that they have now acquired their own puppy.

Peppa visited the Ellul family in Edgware as part of the Paws for Fun therapeutic support scheme run by the charity, which helps seriously ill children and their families.

The Elluls have been assisted by Camp Simcha for more than ten years after their son Nathan, now 15, suffered brain damage at 15 months. He has required full-time care ever since.

Their Camp Simcha family liaison officer Samantha Charles said Nathan’s mum Suzanne took some persuading to try the pet therapy for Nathan’s twin sister Gabriella.

“We have put lots in place for the family over the years, including hospital transport, crisis household support, volunteers, therapeutic art sessions, support groups, outings and retreats,” Mrs Charles explained. “However, Suzanne was not a dog fan and just didn’t feel that the pet therapy was for them.

“I finally persuaded her to try it — it took a few goes with different breeds but then Peppa and her owner Ingrid paid a visit and it was an instant success.”

“Studies have shown that interactions with animals increase endorphins promoting relaxation, pain relief and joy.

“It benefits the seriously ill children we support but also the siblings, who often have so much to deal with as well.”

Mrs Ellul said Peppa’s visits brought a sense of calm to the household.

“I hadn’t expected to enjoy having a dog around but the time we spent with Peppa was so lovely that I could really see the benefits.”

When the visits were paused because of lockdown “we really missed her.

“It made me start thinking about getting our own dog.

“Once I started looking into it, we were very fortunate to find a breeder who prioritised us because of our situation and now we have our own miniature Schnauzer, Jasper.”

The charity’s pet therapy dog trainer helped to ensure Jasper was comfortable around all the equipment Nathan needs.

“It is lovely for Nathan to have the dog on his lap and to have that interaction,” Mrs Ellul said. “But it is particularly good for Gabriella. She is already loving having Jasper in our lives.”