SOLDIER'S wife Emma Dunks-Lunn has been given a new lease of life.

The mother-of-one, from Leeming, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, suffers from muscular dystrophy, which restricts her body movement from the neck down.

When her husband, Lance Bombardier Richard Lunn, was deployed to the Gulf with 40 Regiment Royal Artillery in February, she was left immobile at home with their two-year-old son, Lewis.

However, she has now regained the independence she needs with the help of a grant from the Army Benevolent Fund.

The donation, together with contributions from the Royal British Legion and the Royal Artillery Charitable Fund, has bought Emma a "Balder" electric wheelchair.

She said: "I used to rely on my husband for so many activities that my condition restricts, particularly things like driving to the supermarket. The wheelchair has changed all of this for me.

"It can be adapted to fit my car, enabling me to drive without help from others and can also be adapted in the future to suit my needs as my health deteriorates."

Her husband, who returned from the Gulf a month ago, said: "It means a lot to me to know that from now on while I am away on duty I don't have to worry about Emma and Lewis.

"Emma is determined to maintain as much control over her life as possible and this special wheelchair will enable her to do this."

Simon Brewis, director of grants and welfare at the Army Benevolent Fund, said it was happy to help, saying: "This is a most deserving case and we are only too pleased that our help has not only improved the lives of a young family but has enabled Lance Bombardier Lunn to pursue his military career for as long as possible."