Martine-Marie White

Martine-Marie White has been nominated for the Overcoming Adversity award

MARTINE-MARIE White's close relationship with her support dog, Pinta, has allowed her to ‘make the most out of life,’ following a lengthy diagnosis period.

In June 2022 she collapsed in her home and after numerous visits to the GP, Martine was told she was suffering from vestibular migraines, but was only diagnosed with superior canal dehiscence syndrome, a rare condition causing serious problems with hearing and balance, in April 2023.

Following her collapse she adopted and trained Pinta, a rescue dog from Spain, with local charity Paws for Support.

‘It was an attempt to help myself – medications weren’t working and I just wanted to make the most out of life. Pinta has definitely helped me do that,’ said Martine.

‘Pinta was in a bad way when I got her so I think we helped each other with our traumas, she picks things up for me when, does deep pressure therapy when I have vertigo and gives me a counterbalance when walking to name a few things she does.’

Martine added that it was not just the support that is so beneficial about having Pinta.

‘She makes things more visible. People used to look at me and think I was drunk because of my mobility struggles, but when people see a support dog they are more understanding.’

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