'Please don't stroke my son's dog - it could end up killing him'

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Assistance dogs are incredible animals that can change the lives of their owners in so many ways. Whether they’re needed for physical or mental disabilities, the specially trained pooches provide the gift of independence by helping people complete essential daily tasks.

But for one Tameside teen, his assistance dog can do much more than just bring him items or open doors – he can save his life.

Aidan Bennett has a rare life-threatening heart condition called catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycard, an illness that causes sudden rhythm disturbances. READ MORE: 'I went to hospital with a slight temperature - I left with my leg and arm amputated' The condition means if Aidan's heart rate increases in response to emotional stress or anxiety, it could trigger an abnormally fast heartbeat, leading to a potentially fatal cardiac arrest.

His condition is also complicated by his autism and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), which gives him an irrational fear of germs and contamination. “It’s very dangerous,” Aidan’s mum, Natasha Eastwood, said. “It means excess stress, heightened emotions and strenuous exercise could potentially make him go into cardiac arrest and kill him.” The 16-year-old, from Stalybridge, was diagnosed with the rare condition after collapsing at school in 2017.