Southampton veteran finds 'brilliant' new home after losing leg

Former Lance Corporal Paul Smith previously lived in a first-floor privately rented flat in Shirley.

However, following a leg amputation in May this year, the 54-year-old struggled to access his flat and had to climb up the stairs using his hands.

Now, Paul is enjoying life in a “brilliant” new flat.

READ MORE: Veteran desperate to find new home after losing leg

He said: “Sometime after the Daily Echo article was published, I was offered my new place half a mile down the road by Stonewater Housing.

“It’s brilliant as it’s ground floor and disabled friendly. My life has improved so much.

“I was able to move thanks to the help from my friends and Colin Gaylor of the Southampton Veterans’ Trust.”

Paul felt “trapped” in his old flat and was unable to make daily trips to the shops, see friends, or even leave the house.

Former Lance Corporal Paul Smith (Image: Daily Echo)

He now has a new lease of life.

Paul said: “I have no worries or problems with having to get in or out with my wheelchair as it’s accessible.

“I am more or less back on my feet now. Everything is right on my doorstep now too, it’s all a stone’s throw away.

“It means a lot that people helped me. If it hadn’t been for them, I would have been stuck and unable to do anything.”

READ MORE: Mum 'worried' for newborn baby after flat covered in mould

The Chair of the Southampton Veterans’ Trust, Colin Gaylor, added: “It’s fantastic news the council actively took on Paul’s needs after his amputation and he now has a disabled-facilitated ground floor flat.

“Without his two friends Chris Rennie and James Mawby, Paul’s mental health and wellbeing would have been seriously hindered.

“They continue to be a tremendous help for him and it’s a fabulous outcome for Paul.

“Onwards and upwards.”

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