'Hero' greyhound has brought back life's joys for son who spent years as a carer

James Jackson had spent years caring for his dad – but now his relationship with dog Rosie has transformed his life

A County Durham man is celebrating walking close to 2,000 miles with his “incredible” greyhound Rosie – who he says has “turned life upside down” and helped him recover from a point where he had felt his “life was already over”. James Jackson, 43, had spent years as an unpaid carer looking after his dad and his brother.

When his dad Paul- who had struggled with a range of medical conditions including a form of arthritis in his spine – died in 2019, he suddenly had hours of time on his hands. But by this stage he had lost all his confidence, become isolated, and had also struggled with mental health and addiction.

But two years on, greyhound Rosie saw him encouraged to head out and out about. After five years in which he said he hadn’t left his hometown of Brandon, never mind County Durham, the last five has seen him travel the length and breadth of the country.

This June he says he will pass the 2,000 mile milestone with Rosie. James, who is involved in the County Durham folk scene, told ChronicleLive his story.

He said: “After my dad died in 2019, I ended up with time on my hands for the first time in such a long time. While I still care for my brother, caring for both of them had taken every waking moment. It had been 20 years since I played folk music, I didn’t really have any confidence.

“But I just started going out with Rosie. I still can’t get away for too long – it’s usually an overnight thing – but we’ve been down to Penzance, up to John O’Groats. It’s surprising how cheaply you can travel – we have been able to get the train to some stunning places.

“It’s all about the relationship I have with Rosie. She’s the real hero. She’s an incredible dog, extremely calm, gentle and it doesn’t matter where I take her. She’s even a fixture at the folk music sessions I play at the Elm Tree in Durham. She’s completely turned my life upside down, in the best way.”

Speaking about his role as a carer, James said the intense on-call nature of looking after a loved one had been incredibly difficult. He said: “Dad had to sleep downstairs – which meant I had to sleep downstairs. I was sleeping on the sofa with one eye open as he really needed round-the-clock care. I was always on alert.

“At one point I realised I hadn’t been outside of Brandon, never mind County Durham, in five years. You don’t realise how tough it actually is. You just exist.”

James explained that during his time caring for his dad and brother he had even developed difficulties with dependence on substances such as Valium – which he used to get through the day.

He added: “Part of the problem is that carers are unsung heroes. What you go through on a day to day basis can be very hidden from the public.”

But now he feels like a different person, and thanks Rosie entirely. He added: “I suddenly had free time again, but I found myself struggling to reconnect with the outside world. Boarding a bus or train felt overwhelming after years spent almost entirely at home. Rosie changed that.

“I’m very proud – I didn’t think I had this in me. When dad died, I basically saw my life as pretty much over. But going out with Rosie has brought back my joy for life.”

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