A hospital patient from Southampton who has spent more than a year as an inpatient is taking on an adapted fundraising challenge this month to give back to a charity that she says has brought her “moments of magic” during some of the hardest days of her life.
21-year-old Marisa Spencer is taking part in Pets As Therapy’s “Walk This May” campaign, raising funds to support more therapy dog visits across the UK. But instead of walking 100km outdoors, Marisa is completing one wheelchair lap of the grounds of University Hospital Southampton every day throughout May.
Living in hospital with complex medical needs and autism, Marisa says the weekly visits from Pets As Therapy (PAT) Dog Kimmy and owner Roger Hammett have become a vital source of comfort, stability and emotional support during an incredibly difficult period.
Marisa said: “Hospital can be incredibly difficult and overwhelming. It’s a place where almost everything changes – staff rotate, wards change, routines shift. That unpredictability can be really hard.
“But one of the most important supports throughout my hospital journey has been Kimmy, a Pets As Therapy dog.
“Kimmy has been a constant in a place where very little stays the same. Seeing her, knowing what to expect, and having something familiar has helped me feel grounded and safe in an environment that often feels unpredictable.”
Marisa said Kimmy, a Labrador Retriever, has supported her emotionally during seizures and periods of sensory overload, helping her feel calmer and less alone during challenging moments.
She added: “Kimmy hasn’t just been a nice extra during my admission – she’s been a source of safety, regulation and consistency.”
Marisa also praised Kimmy’s owner and PAT Volunteer, Roger Hammett, a retired BBC broadcaster from Southampton who has volunteered with PAT for six years.
She said: “Roger has gone above and beyond and showed care and compassion. They have both continued to support me through everything no matter what life throws at me.”
Roger and Kimmy visit University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust every week as part of their volunteer work with Pets As Therapy.
Roger said: “Pets As Therapy visits bring happiness, confidence and uplift to people during what can often be very difficult times.
“I originally wanted to volunteer to maximise Kimmy’s abilities as a former Guide Dog. It has turned out to be the perfect retirement activity, combining that with my professional communication skills.
“Kimmy absolutely loves the visits! You can tell by the wagging tail and her desire to engage with people. It’s the best retirement decision I could have made.”
Steven Wibberley, CEO of Pets As Therapy, said: “Marisa’s determination to take on Walk This May, despite the challenges she faces every day, is incredibly moving and inspiring.
“Stories like Marisa and Kimmy’s show the extraordinary impact therapy pets and their owners can have during difficult times, creating moments of magic, comfort and connection when people need them most.
“We are hugely grateful to Marisa for sharing her story, and to Roger for the care, compassion and consistency he and Kimmy continue to provide through their visits.
“Thanks to supporters like Marisa, more people across the UK can experience the comfort of a wagging tail, a familiar face and a moment of connection when they need it most.”
Across the UK, more than 6,200 Pets As Therapy volunteers visit over 6,600 schools, hospitals, care homes and community settings, supporting more than 631,000 people each year.
Last year alone, around 133,000 visits took place, creating millions of small but meaningful moments of connection — helping to lift moods, reduce anxiety and ease loneliness.
Walk This May is a national fundraising campaign encouraging people to set their own walking challenge throughout May to support the charity and it is being sponsored by YuMOVE Joint Care, the UK’s number one* veterinary joint supplement brand. With 20 years’ of scientific research behind it, YuMOVE creates supplements using high-quality ingredients to help dogs stay active and happy.
YuMOVE are proud to call Pets As Therapy one of their charity partners for 2026 and will be supporting the challenge with their own staff initiatives.
To support Marisa’s challenge visit petsastherapy.enthuse.com/pf/marisa-spencer
To find out more about Pets As Therapy and Walk This May, visit Pets As Therapy
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