A BRAVE soldier, paralysed by a neurological disorder, has turned to a North-East charity for a new lease of life.

John Stirland, 33, of Eaglescliffe, was paralysed below the waist after contracting an unknown virus while on Army training in 1991.

He was medically discharged from the Army suffering extreme back pain and deteriorating eyesight.

Middlesbrough Guide Dogs for the Blind provided John with a golden retriever called Brett after he left the Army and he also got married and moved to Ingleby Barwick.

But his inability to stand caused him major problems and, unable to use a normal wheelchair, he was prevented from geting out and about.

John turned to SAFFA Forces Help, in Cleveland, for help to get a £5,000 four-wheel drive electric wheelchair.

Branch secretary Laurie Audley said: "John has a highly positive attitude to life. Not only does he refuse to give in to his terribly debilitating illness and constant pain, he is anxious to reduce its effects on his wife.

"All John seeks is a means of enjoying what limited pleasures are left to him and reducing the burden on his wife and kind friends."