New wheelchair for boy thanks to gamers

Robert Bock has been given the chair after £5,000 was raised by customers at Beacon Bingo and Cashino on Bath Street in Ilkeston. They have now presented the mobility powered chair to Robert, which was provided through CHIPS, a charity founded by the casino and gaming industry to provide specialised powered wheelchairs for children.

Robert has crebral palsy and is due to study at Aldercar Language College in Langley Mill from September.

Until Christmas he was only able to get around with the aid of a walker. After his condition deteriorated Robert was left needing surgery, which has left him unable to walk at all.

His mother, Karen said the generous donation would make an incredible difference to her son.

“He has had a tough time and we are so proud for how brave he has been, it will give him that boost needed before he goes on to life in his new school,” she said.

“This welcome change means the world to Robert and the whole family.”

General manager of Beacon Bingo said he hoped the wheelchair would put Robert in good stead for several years to come.

Cashino and Beacon Bingo has provided CHIPS with funds for 18 powered wheelchairs in the last year nationwide, raising more than £1 million to date.