Genting UK has disclosed its latest charity donation, which was undertaken via CHIPS, after the operator’s Palm Beach Casino has led a fundraising campaign to buy a motorised wheelchair for a youngster.
In the latest in a string of contributions made via the casino industry’s charity, the London-based venue raised more than £35,000 over the course of a three-year period.
This culminated with Brentwood Hard Court Tennis Club hosting its third annual fundraising tennis tournament, The O’Regan Cup, with donations also coming from the casino’s staff, family, friends and customers.
CHIPS uses funds to provide mobility and independence for young people throughout the UK who are unable to obtain a powered wheelchair from the NHS and Wheelchair Services, and whose parents cannot afford to fund it themselves. Each is constructed for the needs of the individual.
“We are delighted to have been able to support Archie and his family, thanks to all those who helped raise funds and to host the tennis tournament,” commented Andrew Henderson, Genting’s director of operations for London and the south.
“A powered wheelchair makes a huge difference for a disabled child, giving them independence and mobility, and it was lovely to see how much it means to his whole family”.
One beneficiary of the latest round of funding via a £9,000 motorised wheelchair, is Archie Ripley, 12, from Ashford, Kent, who has congenital myopathy, a form of muscular dystrophy, and chromosome imbalance.
He had used a manual wheelchair provided by the NHS as he did not qualify for a motorised wheelchair.
“The impact the chair has had is absolutely unmeasurable,” said Archie’s mother, Sam, who also cares for Archie’s two sisters, who have disabilities.
“As a family we have been able to enjoy trips to Disney, theme parks and family walks that would have been impossible before, it’s life changing. Archie’s self-esteem has totally lifted and he now has an unstoppable attitude where nothing is a barrier to him anymore.
“Archie’s energy levels have increased, he is less fatigued and able to do more things independently. He now plays with other children from the village and is more included within his peer group”.
