Dog detective charity hoping to sniff out new local support.
A Milton Keynes charity, which trains dogs to detect the smell of human disease and even give an alert if a patient is about to fall ill, is using the next MKFM ‘Meet of MK’ gathering to appeal for new support from local people and businesses.
Medical Detection Dogs, based in Great Horwood, is preparing to speak to guests at the next MOMK, later this month, to explain more about its incredible work using dogs to help seriously ill patients and carry out research in to disease detection.
It’s looking for new supporters and backers to help continue its important work and is delighted to have been given the opportunity to talk to Milton Keynes’ business community at one of the popular monthly MOMK events. Medical Detection Dogs trains 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.
It is at the forefront of research into the fight against cancer and other life-threatening diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and bacterial infections. Its Bio Detection Dogs are trained to find the odour of those diseases in samples such as urine, breath and sweat – work that has the potential to benefit millions of people.
The Medical Alert Assistance Dogs support people with complex health conditions who have limited awareness of an impending life-threatening medical event. Using their amazing sense of smell, dogs can be trained to identify minute odour changes emitted prior to an emergency and alert the person to take preventative action. This includes Addison’s disease, severe allergies and Type 1 diabetes.
“Some people might not realise that there is a world-leading charity on their doorstep in MK,” said Charlotte Richardson, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Medical Detection Dogs.
“We are quite small, but we are doing huge things which could revolutionise the future of disease detection around the world.
“Whether you just love dogs or sadly have experienced one of the diseases they can detect either directly or indirectly, our work will be of interest and could even impact you or your family one day. It’s great to be able to tell those people local to our training centre all about our work.”
Companies regularly use a Meet of MK meeting to launch a new product or idea, promote charitable works or celebrate awards and achievements. Thousands of pounds have been raised for local good causes in the last eight years of MOMK events.
“I’m delighted that Medical Detection Dogs are joining us at the next Meet of MK,” says MKFM acting director Jo Ronan. “We invite up to 200 businesses and traders every month who come to hear what’s new and happening in our area, across the city, and throughout industry.
“We have lots of new ideas for the future and MDD will be an interesting and exciting addition to the next one.”
