My name is Harrie Robertson. I am 14 years old and I live with my Mum Gen, in Shetland. My Mum suffers from Rapid Cycling Bi-Polar Disorder.

This means that she has episodes of mania (highs) and desperate depression (lows), both of which can be dangerous for her physically and mentally. We don't always know when an episode is coming and they can last for several weeks. In the past my Mum has been in Psychiatric Hospital because of this illness, and has hallucinations, and periods of mood swings which are hard to manage. We have a wonderful team of Psychiatric staff and Medical staff, and some wonderful people in the community who support us too.

But just recently my Mum has just been offered the opportunity to have a Psychiatric Service Dog placed with us by Service Dogs Europe - UK, to help us manage Mum's illness. Ben the Border Collie would help us to manage Mum's hallucinations and mood swings and would alert us to the onset of an episode (dangerous highs and lows). Having Ben will cost us a fee though, and we have managed to raise half the money; But we still have £4000 to go. Most charities only give to organisations and not to individuals.

I want to ask you for your help in raising funds to complete Ben's training and place him in our family. It would mean so much to my Mum, to us both, and to the community we live in, to know that Mum is steadier and in better health and more stable. If we can raise the money Ben will be fully trained by August 2016, and placed in our home to work with us and help my Mum and me, especially when I go away to University.

The picture is of my Mum with Ben, taking him for a walk. We love him already, and have done all the preliminary walking and training and socialising with him, please help him to complete his training.  

I hope you can help us - lots of love from Harrie xoxoxo