My late mother won Hercules by guessing his name in a competition at her nursing home in Crewe about a year before she passed away in 1995. Wearing my mother's heart-shaped pendant, he remained on my dressing table for many years.

Shortly after Terri and I came together in 2006, I gave Hercules to her. Terri loved Hercules very much: she called him, "'erks" or "My boy"; she would say, "He's so cute: cute nose, cute face"; she always slept with him by her side and didn't like leaving him at home. When I suggested putting Hercules with her other 'furry friends' she would pick him up and say, "No, I want to be with the girl". I took him to see her in hospital.

Hercules made Terri happy so I am pleased that in giving him to her to look after, I did something right. I look after Hercules again now but one day someone else will have that duty and privilege.