We’ve heard many stories about bingo bringing people together or raising money for charity, and this story combines the two. A lifelong friendship has been formed along with a pledge to help a disabled 4 year old boy, all from playing online bingo.
Doncaster mum’s plight
4 year old Jayden Walters has a rare and life-limiting condition called Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Shortly after he was born, Jayden was rushed to a specialist unit for heart surgery, but the condition has left him needing a wheelchair and special adjustments in his home, such as door widening and a sensory room. His mum, Sarah Walters, was playing online bingo and mentioned the plight of her son on one of the chats. This caught the attention of another player, Donna Parkhouse, who also has a 30 year old daughter with learning disabilities.
Fundraiser
When Donna heard about Jayden’s mum’s plight, she soon struck up a friendship and wanted to help out however she could. Donna and her husband run a property development company in Newcastle. They have now pledged to set up a fundraiser for specialist equipment and for her company carry out building works in Sarah’s house in order to help assist Jayden.
Donna’s company will widen the backdoor so that Jayden can get his wheelchair out into the back garden and they will also install ramps in and out. They will also pave the garden so his chair can move around freely. A crowd-funder has also been set up to buy equipment for a sensory room too. Jayden has also been shielding during the Covid pandemic, so being able to enjoy the garden and sensory room, is even more imperative.
Friendship
Jayden’s mum, Sarah, said: “Jayden is shielding so it’s important for him to get outside in the garden. When he was in hospital, he used their sensory room and it helped him a lot if he was having a bad day. This would make a big difference to his life.”She continued;”I met Donna on a bingo website, we both have disabled children. There are a lot of people on there who are shielding, as a way to socialise. I’m really grateful for her help.”