Recently, the UK gaming industry took center stage as CHIPS introduced its 500th powered wheelchair thanks to donations from organisations in various sectors including Beacon Bingo, Cashno, Clarion Gaming, NRM and The Rank Group.
In an announcement at the Reform Club in London, Strictly Come Dancing star Anton du Beke took the time out of her busy schedule to present her 500th powered wheelchair to 10-year-old Abbi Bennett, who lives with Ulrich's Muscular Dystrophy, which affects her lower extremities and severely restricts her mobility. Abbi, who traveled to London from her home in Bonneville, Birmingham, is the latest beneficiary to benefit from CHIPS' fundraising, totaling over £2 million. This is a figure that has allowed her to purchase custom powered wheelchairs that the NHS cannot provide and parents cannot afford.
Speaking in the presentation, Anton said, "These wheelchairs are honored to be life-changing and part of this incredible achievement with CHIPS! I really love working with small charities like CHIPS. Even though they are small charities that make a huge difference, I really love working with small charities like CHIPS where you can see the impact of their work. Amazingly to be a part of today, I met a little beautiful Abby and the wheelchair has already made such a difference in her life. It's great to see her be completely independent without waiting for someone to push her or pick her up. She just goes her way! The feeling of giving a child a better life is so important and the freedom and independence it brings is incredible."
Linda Lindsay, co-founder of Chips, said in her 500th presentation, "We are delighted to achieve this incredible milestone and in doing so, provide Abiy with the gift of freedom that many of us take for granted. This wheelchair, which cost £7,000, will provide her with the freedom to move around easily and safely and includes a state-of-the-art hi/ro facility that allows her to communicate directly with friends and family rather than always on a lower floor. We would not have reached this milestone without the incredible generosity of the UK industry. We are very grateful and sincerely hope that this can continue to help cooler, more deserving young people like Abiy.
"I've attended almost every 500-chip wheelchair presentation and seen how chairs literally change the lives of not only children, but also carers, teachers and friends alike. It's been so exciting to reach the 500 and it's so humbling for Anton to celebrate this important opportunity and help Abiy move on to the next level of his adventure."
CHIPS sets the highest fundraising threshold for 100% of the funds raised to be used to provide electric wheelchairs for children across the UK. Linda explained, "Every chair we offer brings great joy to family units as well as individual children who can interact and socialize with their friends. The sad fact is that the demand for special chairs, which the NHS cannot provide, far exceeds what Chips can provide. However, today has made a great achievement for charities, and with more companies promising us support every year, we hope to reach the next 500 sooner and continue to bring freedom to children across the UK." 바둑이사이트