A girl with a severe disability is to receive a £13,000 electric-powered wheelchair.
Ria Thomas, from Thorpe Astley, has quadriplegic cerebral palsy – affecting all her limbs.
It means the 10-year-old relies on a powered wheelchair to get around – including for school activities at Ashfield Academy, in Evington, Leicester.
She has outgrown the wheelchair she had and parents Claire and Neil were unable to find the money to replace it.
Mum Claire said: "Ria has undergone more than 20 operations but needs a new powered wheelchair to replace the one she outgrew 12 months ago.
"Since then, she has had to rely on people pushing her in a normal wheelchair.
"Despite her difficulties, she is very capable, but has had to grin and bear all her friends playing without her."
A new wheelchair is now on its way to Ria, however, thanks to two national children's disability charities.
Caudwell Children is meeting 80 per cent of the cost, while The Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children has agreed to meet the outstanding balance of £2,681 after staff at Midlands Co-operative Society selected it as their chosen charity.
"Having a powered chair again will provide Ria with a bit of independence," said Claire.
"At Ash Field Academy, many of her school friends have powered wheelchairs and this will allow her to keep up with them in the playground and not have to rely on adults to push her around.
"This new powered wheelchair will mean a new lease of life for her."
The equipment will help Ria in all aspects of her daily life, including being able to help her dad Neil take the family dog for a walk and explore her park.
Claire said: "Both my mother and aunt work in the cashiers' department of the Midlands Co-operative's Glenfield supermarket, in Leicester.
"The society is well known for its charity work and it is fortunate for us that we live in the trading area and can benefit from the amazing fund-raising efforts of their colleagues across the county.
"We want to thank everyone involved in helping to restore Ria's independence."
Ria is the sixth Leicestershire child to benefit from Midlands Co-operative Society funding since its partnership with Newlife began in May last year.
Staff across the county have raised more than £170,000.
David Brown, manager of Glenfield Co-op, said: "As a regional retailer, we always ensure our staff-elected charity supports people in need in our trading area.
"I am delighted we have been able to help Ria and her family."
It is not the first time Newlife has helped the Thomas family, having previously provided Ria with a specialist chair, buggy, wheelchair and car seats.
It has made 206 equipment grants in Leicestershire, totalling £213,483.
www.newlifecharity.co.uk
www.caudwellchildren.com
