Volunteer Elaine and her dog Skye visit a hospital in Kingston upon Thames

When it comes to witnessing moments of magic, Elaine says she'll never forget meeting a very ill woman while on her first PAT visit to the intensive care unit.

"The patient couldn't talk as she was on a ventilator, however, she motioned to the nursing team that she wanted to meet Skye. The joy in her eyes of being able to feel Skye's fur and see Skye at the end of her bed was reflected in her eyes."

Two weeks later, Elaine saw the same woman in one of the wards, sitting up by her bed and chatting away to her two daughters, just waiting to be discharged.

"She told me she remembered Skye and had felt so desperate at the time. She was delighted to meet Skye again and have a proper cuddle."

A rewarding experience

Elaine reveals she has always enjoyed helping others, and is a huge supporter of the NHS and admires everyone who works there. And as Skye always interacts calmly with people they meet while out and about, she thought volunteering could be something they do together.

"Going on PAT visits is now a real highlight of my week. Knowing you're making a huge difference is a huge boost for me personally. I always come away from a visit with a big smile on my face. I feel so fulfilled!"

Elaine is thrilled that her faithful four-legged friend cheers up so many patients at Kingston Hospital – and staff too.

"You walk into a ward or emergency department and you get an immediate reaction - joy! People sit up straighter and ask you to come over. Sometimes they want to chat about the dog, other times it's about the conversations the dog starts. The sheer joy is always noticeable.

"Skye also has her favourite NHS staff that she likes to go and see. There is a lot of tail wagging and happy faces."

As for Elaine, she admits that volunteering with Skye is addictive.

"If you're thinking about volunteering with PAT, do it. I feel very grateful to be a volunteer. Grateful for Skye being the dog she is and visiting a hospital with me, and grateful for being able to spread those moments of joy with her."