A DISABLED Worcester teenager has a new £20,000 state-of-the-art wheelchair thanks in part to High Street giant Marks & Spencer.

Alex Jordan, aged 16, has Duchenne muscular dys-trophy, a progressive muscle degenerative condition resulting in loss of movement, eventually leading to paralysis.

Thanks to Marks & Spencer and Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children, the teenager has received a new powered wheelchair which will help him stand and allow him to be on a level with his peers.

It also provides for his essential physiotherapy needs such as improving bone density, reducing skeletal deformities and maintaining muscle strength.

Alex’s mum Caroline Jordan said: “We are so, so grateful.

"Alex’s chair is the single most important piece of equipment that he has.

"We really didn’t think that anyone would be able to help us because of the cost but this means he can continue to enjoy the better quality of life that his existing wheelchair has given him over the last four years.”

The former Blessed Edward Oldcorne pupil, of Hyacinth Close, St Peter’s, will be starting a course at Worcester College of Technology this month to study for a Btec in applied science after receiving B grades in physics, biology and chemistry in his GCSEs.

Alex, who has also been nominated as an Olympic torch bearer, said: “I can’t really put into words what this means but just want to thank Newlife and M&S for giving me my legs in time for college.”

Newlife is the UK’s leading children’s disability charity that works closely with families to provide a range of services and essential equipment for children with disabilities across the UK.

Marks & Spencer has worked in partnership with the Newlife charity for the past six years to recycle returned products as part of Plan A, its eco and ethical programme.

The partnership helps to fund more than 130 pieces of essential equipment for disabled children each year.