Suffolk Freemasons

Medical Detection Dogs delighted to receive support from Suffolk Freemasons

Medical Detection Dogs train dogs to detect the odour of human disease with the aim of developing faster, more efficient and less invasive diagnostics that lead to better patient outcomes. The charity is at the forefront of the research into the fight against cancer and other life-threatening diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and bacterial infections. Their Bio Detection Dogs detect the odour of diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s and malaria in the charity’s training room, on samples. Their work could help scientists and medics develop faster, cheaper, non-invasive methods of diagnosis that could impact upon thousands of lives. The charity apply what is known about the science of canine olfaction to benefit people by training Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to support individuals with complex health conditions by alerting them when they are about to have a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.

Conditions like diabetes, severe allergies, PoTS and Addison’s disease are among those the dogs can be trained to detect and alert well before their human partner is aware that an episode is about to occur. Medical Detection Dogs take the welfare of their dogs extremely seriously, from the moment they arrive as puppies the charity ensure the highest standards of care. They have a strict no kennel policy and all dogs live in the homes of their staff or fantastic local volunteers where they are loved and cared for as part of the family.

Rick Orme, the Provincial Grand Charity Steward for the Province of Suffolk, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to offer some support to this fantastic charity following the presentation done by Norma Howell at our Almoners’ Conference some time ago. I understand that the charity is also conducting research into whether the detection dogs can assist with the Covid-19 pandemic and we all realise what an impact that has had on everyone, so I wish them continued success and I am delighted to be able to offer some support for their cause.” This grant from Suffolk Freemasons was made up of £2000 donated by Apollo Lodge, £1,500 donated by Provincial Grand Charity and then match funded by the MCF up to the total of £7,000.

For more information about the charity visit www.medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk