A DISABLED boy is able to play out with his pals after being allocated an NHS wheelchair following a long fight. Thomas Partington has waited two years for the wheelchair, which he can use outside. His delighted mum Anne said: "He was thrilled to bits when he beat his friend in a race.

"He was in his wheelchair and his friend was on roller blades."

Although Thomas's mum and dad, John, had raised the cash to buy an all purpose chair, they still needed an NHS wheelchair.

Mrs Partington explained: "We fund-raised and bought Thomas a chair but the upkeep was too expensive for us.

"He was also unable to use it outside at home if he had been to school in it, because the battery would wear out."

Now Thomas, who is 10, can play out both at Ladybridge CP School in Bolton, where he is a pupil, and at his home in Hazeldene, Westhoughton, using his new, powered wheelchair.

Mrs Partington spoke to the BEN about Thomas's plight in December last year when she stressed her decision to speak out was not just for Thomas, but for other children who she felt were also being unfairly treated.

Children and adults in the area are on the same waiting list for wheelchairs and the same criteria were used to judge both adults' and youngsters' suitability for the chairs.

The list for Bolton was previously held by the Disablement Services Centre, based at Withington Hospital and more recently passed to Lever Chambers, Bolton, under the authority of the Community Healthcare NHS Trust.

"As far as I know there were only two children on that list and one of them was Thomas," said his mum.

"I don't believe we should have to fight to get our children wheelchairs. It should be an automatic right."

Thomas, who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, did have an NHS chair for indoor use, which has now been returned.

MP Ruth Kelly joined the campaign to help Thomas and Mrs Partington refused to give in.

She said: "I am pleased we now have the chair. It is difficult enough for Thomas and the family without having to fight for what should be a right.

"Surely children are entitled to be able to play out. They don't just want to sit at the door and wave to people passing by."

Life has been tough for the Partington family, including their other son, 12-year-old James.

But they are getting well used to having to fight for everything they want.

Mrs Partington said: "In fact, when I do get something without fighting I am shocked.

"It seems that we have to create a fuss before anything is done and it doesn't seem fair."

Meanwhile Thomas is making the most of his new chair and enjoying every minute of it.

Mrs Partington said: "He loves playing out. It means a lot to him to be able to do the things his friends can do."

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