A seven-year-old girl from Hailsham stole the show at Crufts, as well as the hearts of the nation, when she took part in BASC Young Handler’s class at the world’s biggest dog show last week.
Described by host Clare Balding as “just brilliant” and “so cute”, seven-year-old Daisy Upton from Hailsham competed in BASC’s Young Handler class on Gundog Day, the opening day of Crufts 2023.
Daisy’s mum Chloe explained to presenter Radzi Chinyanganya live on More4, how Daisy had been treated for neuroblastoma – a type of cancer that Daisy refers to as a “monster” in her tummy – when she was six months old, spending nine months in hospital.
The “monster” has left Daisy with long-term health issues but she was determined to take part to prove that, despite her disabilities, she can achieve her dreams.
Admitting to Radzi that she was nervous, Daisy introduced him to her dog Nova.
Daisy was determined to show off her skills and as she did, in front of a huge crowd.
In 2018, Hailsham News published the Upton families appeal to raise funding for a specially trained dog to help Chloe’s medical conditions. The campaign resulted in taking on Nova, who is now a massive part of the family.
Nova is a trained, specialist dog, which detect low blood sugars, as Daisy now suffers from Hypoglycaemia which could put her life at risk if her blood sugar levels drop dangerously without warning.
