Award-winning therapy dog Charlie helps bring comfort to patients at Antrim Area Hospital
Charlie, a therapy dog who makes weekly visits to the Macmillan Unit at Antrim Area Hospital, pictured with his owner Ivan.
Saturday 10 October 2026
Eight-year-old collie Charlie has been recognised for bringing comfort and companionship to patients receiving cancer care at Antrim Area Hospital, as the Northern Health and Social Care Trust appeals for more dogs, cats and their owners to join its volunteering programme.
Charlie and his owner Ivan make weekly visits to the hospital’s Macmillan Unit, where their presence helps provide reassurance and emotional support for patients and their families during difficult times.
The pair have received a highly commended accolade in the Animal Award category at the BBC Radio Ulster Make a Difference Awards, recognising the positive impact animals can have on people's lives.
A special bond with patients
For Ivan, volunteering at the Macmillan Unit carries particular personal significance, having previously had his own experience within the Unit.
Charlie, a therapy dog who makes weekly visits to the Macmillan Unit at Antrim Area Hospital
Sharon O’Donnell, Macmillan Volunteer Coordinator, praised the pair's commitment and the difference they make to patients.
“We are overjoyed about this well-deserved recognition for Ivan and Charlie.
“Having had his own personal experience within the Unit, Ivan's empathy, kindness and compassion embody the true spirit of volunteering, and the dedication, enthusiasm and motivation he shows with Charlie during their visits is awe-inspiring.”
Charlie is one of two Pets as Therapy dogs who visit the Macmillan Unit each week.
He shares his volunteering duties with Pickle, a golden retriever and poodle mix, who visits alongside her owner Gillian.
Together, the animals have become much-loved visitors, offering companionship and helping patients and their loved ones find moments of comfort and connection during hospital stays.
Could your pet make a difference
The Northern Trust is now hoping Charlie's recognition will encourage more pet owners to consider volunteering through the Pets as Therapy programme.
The initiative brings specially assessed dogs and cats into hospital settings, where they can provide companionship and emotional support to people receiving care.
Nicola McAleese, Macmillan Volunteer Coordinator at the Northern Trust, said:
“The Pets as Therapy programme has become a valued part of patient care and we would love to hear from anyone who thinks their dog or cat could help make a difference to patients and families in our hospitals.
“The companionship and comfort these visits provide can have a real impact on people at what is often a very difficult time.”
How to become a volunteer
Charlie, a therapy dog who makes weekly visits to the Macmillan Unit at Antrim Area Hospital
People interested in volunteering with their dog or cat can contact the Northern Trust's Volunteer Service to find out more about the programme and application process.
• Telephone: 07443 314890
All prospective volunteers and their pets must complete suitability assessments carried out by the Pets as Therapy organisation before any hospital placement can be approved.
Once approved, volunteers and their animals may be placed within designated hospital services, including the Macmillan Unit and Stroke Unit, working under the supervision and guidance of Trust staff.
For patients facing illness, treatment or an extended hospital stay, the companionship of a friendly animal can offer a welcome break from the clinical surroundings. Charlie and Ivan's award highlights the difference those visits can make – and the opportunity for more pet owners to bring similar comfort to others.
