Hi everyone,

I’m setting this up for my good friend Tom — someone who’s spent the last eight years building something truly special. Tom is the heart and hands behind a unique Jurassic-themed entertainment business Raptors World, creating high-end, life-like dinosaur costume experiences that have brought joy and wonder to countless families, schools, and events across the country.

Recently, Tom’s journey took a devastating turn. His work van was stolen from outside the Thurrock West Premier Inn, Essex — and while the van itself was thankfully insured, everything inside was not. Inside that van was the entire foundation of his business: two large animatronic dinosaurs, his full Jurassic event setup, and a brand-new dinosaur egg photo prop that he’d only had for 24 hours.

The stolen equipment represents a very substantial amount of moneys worth of custom and hard-to-replace gear that Tom has gradually built up over nearly a decade! These weren't just props — they were the tools of his livelihood, and each piece played a role in creating the immersive, unforgettable experiences he’s known for.

Tom is not someone who asks for help easily, but this loss has had a massive impact — not just on the business, but on his ability to support his family during this time of transition. With your help, we’re hoping to raise funds to:

Replace the stolen animatronic dinosaurs and Jurassic set up.

If you or your children have ever experienced the magic of one of Tom’s dinosaur encounters — or if you simply believe in helping people get back on their feet after a major setback — any support you can give would mean the world.

Let’s help bring the dinosaurs back to life — and get Tom and Raptors World back on its feet.

Thank you so much,

Jen Raith