Hamish, a Westie died after helping people at Croydon University Hospital for 15 years

Hamish was the mascot for the Croydon Council Road Safety Officers with the Junior Road Safety Officers Club, where he attended both public and school events.

The much loved west highland terrier, was described as the ‘perfect’ PAT dog who ‘never barked once in his 15 years of hospital service.’

During his life Hamish has received many awards for his volunteering work, including PAT Dog of the year at Crufts in 2010, the Daily Mirror Animal Hero Award for caring animal of the year in 2013 and Croydon Guardian’s community Champion.

Over his years of service, Hamish visited Croydon University Hospital every Wednesday, where sick patients could stroke and cuddle him.

Hamish’s popular visit was described as the ‘happiest time of the week’, where sick patients enjoyed his company.

Hamish’s healing abilities were hailed for once helping bring a patient out of a coma.

In his younger days, Hamish helped countless phobic children overcome their fear of dogs and was a regular visitor to pre-school play groups, nursing homes and summer schools for autistic and deaf children.

Even with his failing eye sight over the last two years he still enjoyed bringing comfort to others.

Hamish loved his trips to the Isle of Wight, where he enjoyed running on the beach and pub dining.

The Chief Executive of the RSPCA wrote to Hamish’s owners in 2013 where he commented that: “Hamish’s exceptional bed side manner is both moving and inspirational, he has clearly made a lasting impression and touched a lot of people’s lives.

The joy and comfort Hamish’s larger than life company brings is a therapy like no other".

Hamish owners, Barry and Margaret Crossby, said: “Hopefully it will get easier to cope with our loss and then be able to remember Hamish for the star he was.

“May he rest in peace our dear Westie Hamish Mc Fee.”

In May, Hamish’s owners will accept a 15 year volunteering badge on Hamish’s behalf.