A vision-impaired Musselburgh resident has praised the “life-changing” buddy dog that helped him through a health setback.

Thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who have supported Guide Dogs’ buddy dog service for a year, 20-year-old Adam Cusack found an “incredible” canine companion in Sam, a yellow Labrador cross golden retriever.

Adam, who lives with sight loss and various health conditions, said getting Sam was the “best thing we’ve ever done”.

When Adam was three years old, he contracted meningitis, a rare, combined strain of Haemophilus influenzae B and D. He was placed in an induced coma for two weeks but incurred a brain injury which affected his optic nerve.

He lost 25 per cent of his eyesight on the bottom left quadrant of each eye and suffers other conditions, such as epilepsy, as a result.

Growing up, Adam adapted well to his sight loss. But, despite that, his conditions affected his life and, from the age of around 10 to 17, Adam became “more insular and isolated”.

The family heard about the Guide Dogs’ buddy dogs service, which matches children, young people and their families with a life-changing canine.

Buddy dogs are former trainee guide dogs that have had a career change. They are pet dogs that support children and young people in building confidence and trust and provide companionship.

During the time that Adam’s family applied for a buddy dog, the service was fully funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

In December 2021, when Adam was aged 18, Guide Dogs introduced the family to Sam. There was an immediate bond between Adam and Sam.

Frank, Adam’s dad, said: “Having Sam has transformed every facet of our family. Adam has a dog he looks after, which has increased his confidence and independence.”

In 2022, Adam suffered a health setback. His condition caused several seizures, which compromised his central nervous system.

He was in severe pain, needing hospital treatment, and was confined to a wheelchair for a couple of months. During this time, Sam would rest his head on Adam to try and comfort him.

Frank said: “Without Sam’s friendship throughout that period, Adam would be significantly more damaged.

“Sam provides an emotional point for Adam to anchor himself to. And, physically, he’s also better off now being more mobile.”

Adam explained: “He’s changed my life for the better. When I was unwell, he helped by just being there for me and comforting me.

“We always say that getting Sam is the best thing we’ve ever done.”

Robbie Campbell, buddy dog service lead at Guide Dogs, said: “The bond between Adam and Sam has been incredible from the start.

“Sam has really supported Adam through some difficult times, which has been great for his physical and mental well-being. Having Sam has brought a lot of laughter to the family life.”

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised more than £6 million for Guide Dogs since 2018, helping them transform lives through projects and services such as buddy dogs.

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “We are delighted that players have been able to support such a wonderful Guide Dogs service.

“It’s great to know that buddy dogs provide children and young people with sight loss like Adam much-needed emotional support and build confidence and trust at such a crucial stage in their lives.”