Bowls fundraiser for dad’s new wheelchair

INDOOR bowlers took part in a fun afternoon to help a dad with multiple sclerosis.
Adur Indoor Bowls Club members with Gary Allen, centreAdur Indoor Bowls Club members with Gary Allen, centre
Adur Indoor Bowls Club members with Gary Allen, centre

The fundraising event on August 2 saw 56 members of Adur Indoor Bowls Club took to the rink to help Gary Allen, 52, in his bid to buy a new hi-tech wheelchair.

The £14,000 stand-up wheelchair will enable Mr Allen, of Silverdale Drive, Sompting, to be more involved with raising his five-year-old daughter Chelsea.

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Jan Smyth, reception manager at the club, in Old Barn Way, Southwick, said a total of £774.50 was raised, which was presented to Mr Allen by treasurer and board member Ken Twine.

As well as bowling, the fun afternoon included a raffle and guess how many sweets in the jar competition, and donations from those who could not take part on the day.

Mr Allen said sitting all day was taking a toll on his health and making it hard for him to help his wife, Dawn, to look after Chelsea, who is autistic.

So far, £6,000 has been raised in two months, including £1,500 donated by the MS Research and Relief fund and £2,000 from The ACT Foundation, which helps to enhance the quality of life for people in need, particularly those with mental and physical disabilities.

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Mrs Allen said the chair would help her husband to be part of family life, rather than sitting on the sidelines.

“You don’t understand how important it is to stand up until you have to sit down all day,” she said.

Visit www.gofundme.com/9ph11k to find out more.

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