A CENTRE in Newport which supports children with disabilities received a new specialist motorised wheelchair yesterday thanks to an Argus-backed fundraising campaign which raised several thousands of pounds.

Staff at the centre said the computerised chair, which will help children with limited mobility move about, will be used by a large number of children aged from 20 months up to eight years old.

Costing nearly £7,000, it is the biggest piece of equipment bought by the centre for its new “equipment library” and was made possible thanks to the Sparkle appeal, which we supported.

Argus readers supported the original 2004 Sparkle appeal to build the centre in April 2011 and then, 10 years on in December last year, the appeal was re-launched to raise money for the centre's new equipment library.

The library, available to children living in Newport, Monmouthshire and Torfaen, means parents can “try before they buy” specialist equipment for their children which is often expensive.

Yesterday the TinyTRAX powered wheelchair was delivered to eager staff and children at the centre and a therapist demonstrated how it can be used.

Children with disabilities or developmental difficulties can use the chair to learn the basic skills required for driving an electric wheelchair – but in a fun way.

Lisa Pearson, business development manager at Sparkle, said: “One of the therapists gave us the example of a child who has very little movement at all. They can’t move around or turn themselves around. But this chair moves them about, it’s computerised.”

Although the Sparkle appeal did not quite hit its original £10,000 target, Ms Pearson said the centre has been able to buy the chair as well as a few other pieces of equipment as a result.

She said: “It is wonderful. We want to thank everybody that donated to our appeal.”

The appeal saw huge amounts donated from businesses and individuals including the Greggs Foundation, Argus readers and families of children who use the centre.

Director of TinyTRAX, Simon Halsey, said one of the obvious benefits is the chair’s image. He said because of the range of different colours, children can choose how they want it to look.

Ms Pearson said although the Sparkle appeal is now over, the centre is still fundraising and “always looking for donations”.

Anyone who wants to do any fundraising can contact her on 01633 748092.