Derbyshire teen with rare genetic condition meets police dogs after death of his beloved pooch

James Cheung – who is one of only 40 people in the world to suffer from IMAGe Syndrome, which affects growth and development – sadly lost his hearing dog Kurt in November.

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After Kurt died, a family friend who works for Derbyshire Constabulary arranged for James to visit police headquarters in Ripley.

During the visit, James got to see the force’s police dogs as well as the call room where 999 and 101 calls come in – and he met PCs Jason Potts and Alex Bonniface, who have recently starred on Channel 5’s hit show Traffic Cops.

James’s mum Louise, of Staffa Drive, Tibshelf, said: “The bond between James and Kurt was very special.

“He wasn’t just the dog that kept James safe and got him up every morning to take tablets at a certain time, he was also his best friend.

“James thoroughly enjoyed the visit.”

James was diagnosed with IMAGe Syndrome when he was just eight-months-old.

Louise is keen to raise the profile of James’ highly unusual condition.

She previously told the Derbyshire Times: “James really is one in a million.

“I love him so much – and I always will.”

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