The Remarkable Journey of Lynn Ratcliffe and Her Assistance Dogs at Manchester City
Manchester City is known for welcoming a diverse range of supporters to the Etihad Stadium, including Lynn Ratcliffe and her assistance dog, Barnby. Lynn’s story is one of unwavering support, resilience, and an incredible bond with her service dogs, who have played a crucial role in her life and football journey.
Lynn’s previous dog, Simba, witnessed Manchester City lift an astonishing 18 trophies, attending every home match and nearly every away game. Simba even earned a spot on the club’s 2019 open-top bus parade through Manchester after the domestic treble win. Now retired, Simba has passed the torch to Barnby, Lynn’s current assistance dog, who is still learning the ropes—and occasionally being reminded not to lick the ears of fans seated in front.
A Vital Role Beyond the Pitch
Lynn’s journey with assistance dogs began after she suffered a severe concussion in 1998, leading to epilepsy. Since 2008, she has relied on seizure alert dogs, each of whom has been trained to provide her with early warnings before seizures occur.
Explaining their life-saving work, Lynn shared:
“All my dogs give me a warning to an epileptic fit sometime before it happens. Dougal was 10 minutes, Simba was 24, and we’re still working out the time for Barnby—it’s between 29-34 minutes. At football, I’m at my most relaxed, so it doesn’t happen as often as people think, although maybe not during the last four games!”
Lynn and her dogs sit in a wheelchair bay at the Etihad, close to the first aid room, ensuring both comfort and safety. Barnby even has his own spot adorned with a City blanket, and Lynn drapes a flag to prevent him from licking fans in front of them.
Simba’s Moment in the Spotlight
One of Lynn’s fondest memories was during City’s treble-winning season in 2019 when Simba joined her on the open-top bus parade as the club’s disabled representative.
“They gave him a season ticket on the top deck,” Lynn recounted. “You can’t beat the Aguero or Gundogan moments, but that has to be up there—going through Manchester with the crowds and being part of it. Simba couldn’t see anything, of course, but what an amazing experience.”
Simba was also the star of a club campaign showcasing matchday from his perspective, complete with a camera strapped to his back.
A Lifelong Love for City
Lynn’s passion for Manchester City began at the age of eight, watching legends like Colin Bell, Franny Lee, and Mike Summerbee train at Cheadle Town. Despite growing up in a United-dominated area, she proudly supported City, convincing her dad to take her to a game.
“I’ve been going ever since. It’s my whole life,” said Lynn, now 66. “It isn’t just about the football. It’s the camaraderie and togetherness. A joint interest and traveling together—it’s more than 90 minutes of football.”
Her dedication spans decades, including enduring the tough years of the late ’70s and ’80s, traveling to matches when coaches were regularly attacked, and attending the iconic 1999 playoff final at Wembley.
Today, her 92-year-old mother, a lifelong City fan, resides in a care home but was a season ticket holder with Lynn and her children well into her 80s.
For Lynn Ratcliffe, Manchester City is more than just a football club—it’s a way of life, shared with her family, friends, and her extraordinary assistance dogs who ensure she can safely enjoy every moment of the beautiful game.
