Staff and customers raised funds for powered wheelchair to give more independence


Thomas with CHIPS' co-founder Linda Lindsay

Thanks to the joint fundraising efforts of customers and staff at Cashino Putney, 14-year-old Thomas Dring has been presented with a new powered wheelchair that will give him back his independence and freedom.

Cashino, which operates 168 adult gaming centres across the country, is one of the main fundraisers for CHIPS, a charity set up on behalf of the casino and gaming industry, which aims to provide specialised powered wheelchairs for children with severe mobility problems.


Thomas with his parents

Thomas, who lives with his parents and younger sister in Woking, suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a genetic disorder that causes muscle degeneration and weakness.

Thomas’ mum, Solange, said: “Thomas can only walk short distances and tires very quickly. He has an NHS wheelchair that is in reasonably good condition, but unfortunately he’s outgrown it. He’s really competitive, but can’t keep up with his friends or get around school too well, which is causing him to become frustrated. All of this is causing an impact on his independence and emotional stability, leading to us, and staff at school having to constantly monitor it.

“This wheelchair will be life changing for Thomas, and our whole family. It’ll give him back his independence, freedom and mobility meaning we can spend more time outdoors as a family! We’re very grateful to Cashino Putney and CHIPS for this wheelchair.”

Cashino Putney venue manager, Mo, said: “It is such a proud moment to know that our fundraising efforts have helped Thomas be able to get around a bit easier. Walking is something that most of us take for granted, so it makes us all overwhelmed to know that someone so young has been given more of a chance to enjoy his life as much as he can.”

Co-founder of the CHIPS charity Linda Lindsay said: “It is so important for CHIPS that our donors see the results of their hard work, and we try to ensure that all the recipients are local to where the funds have been raised. Cashino and parent company Praesepe have been amazing, and to date have donated £1.2 million allowing CHIPS to provide more than 150 wheelchairs up and down the country.”

In total CHIPS has raised more than £2.2 million to date and presented over 520 wheelchairs to children throughout the UK.

March 21, 2019