21/01/2026
Loki & Noreen.
Every week, our volunteer therapy dogs wander through our wards, bringing calm and joy to patients and staff.
This week, one of those paws belonged to Loki – a huge, gentle Leonberger who’s been visiting the Countess of Chester Hospital for two and a half years with his equally friendly owner, Dave.
He was doing what he always does: strolling along the corridor, tail swaying, making friends without trying. What we didn’t know was who he’d be visiting.
That’s the thing about a hospital that serves the whole community – every patient has a story you’d never guess at first glance.
At one bed was Noreen Murphy. She spent decades keeping house for the Grosvenor family – serving several Dukes – and retired at age seventy back in 1990.
Noreen turned 100 during lockdown, when neighbours celebrated with her from the pavement, alongside birthday wishes from the Duke, while her daughter had to watch from afar in County Durham due to the rules at the time.
Since then, for every birthday up to her recent 105th, Noreen has been able to celebrate her way again, with garden parties surrounded by friends and close relatives from Ireland.
And the present day brought a new moment altogether: a century of stories in Noreen’s hands, and a therapy dog whose quiet warmth is loved by everyone, no matter their age, background, or history.
A gentle connection between two worlds that would never normally meet, except in a place like this.
It’s the kind of story you don’t plan for on a quiet Monday. And it’s why we love what we do – our patients never stop surprising us.
What meaningful interactions – big or small – have stayed with you during your time at the Countess? 💛🐾
