An Armed Forces charity has handed an ex-military musician a life-changing wheelchair.

The charity, SSAFA, stepped in to help Steve Woolner after he was diagnosed with the hereditary connective tissue disorder, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

The 49-year-old served as a musician in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers from 1986 to 1995 but was left with limited mobility after being diagnosed in 2015.

After months of struggling with simple tasks, such as taking his six-year-old daughter, Cheyenne, to school, he got in touch with the Armed Forces charity’s Southend and Rochford division.

During his time in the Army, Steve played the cornet and clarinet, travelling all over the country and abroad performing in concerts and displays, including in a Festival of Remembrance for Princess Diana in 1992.

He said: “We sang at the Festival of Remembrance in 1992 for Princess Diana when we were the first military choir to sing at the Festival. That was a real highlight!”

SSAFA provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including both regulars and reserves.

A spokesman said: “It was clearly a priority to assist Steve with his wheelchair as he was struggling with the everyday tasks that keep us connected to the world, such as taking his daughter to school.

“The wheelchair provided has given Steve a new lease of life, allowing him to go about his everyday life on his own terms – and his little girl loves her dad dropping her off in the morning.”

The spokesman added: “It’s the least that they deserve for their service to the Nation. It is incredibly important to us that we provide tailored support to anyone in need, in order to support their independence and dignity.”

Mr Woolner added: “Thanks to this support from SSAFA I’ve got a bit of independence back and I can do more things with my daughter which is great.”

Steve is now determined to raise awareness of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.