A TEENAGER with cerebral palsy and the dog who helps her with day-to-day tasks appeared on Saturday's National Lottery draw show.
Natasha Settelen, of Isleworth, explained the life-changing bond with her labrador Giles on BBC programme The National Lottery: In It To Win It.
The 14-year-old (pictured here with presenter John Partridge) explained how Giles, provided by the national charity Dogs for the Disabled, made a huge difference to her life.
Her condition means she struggles to reach down, but Giles is always there to help.
"He picks up things I've dropped, opens doors for me using a rope and pulls off my socks, trousers, jumpers and tops," said the keen Chelsea fan. "He comes to my football practice and likes to join in. I now love going for walks which I didn't before.
"Giles has given me more confidence in public. He is a conversation starter with people. I love coming home from school as he has such a lovely greeting. I don't have to ask my parents for help so much as I am more independent."
Giles was the latest National Lottery Hero to be featured on the show in a series of films highlighting some of the good causes supported by the lottery.
Peter Gorbing, chief executive of Dogs for the Disabled, which has received almost £500,000 of National Lottery funding, said: "Natasha is one of many children and adults to benefit from the National Lottery’s support of our work. Everyone we help tells an emotional story about the life-changing effect of our dogs.
"We're hugely grateful to National Lottery players for helping us transform the lives of people we support."
