A WORCESTER dad enjoyed the Golden Jubilee pop concert in style after a city charity came to his rescue.
The Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families' Association arranged for Andrew Atkins to have a wheelchair for the celebrations in London.
The 28-year-old was left with a spinal injury after being in two accidents while serving in the Army.
"I can walk short distances with sticks but a shopping trip into the centre can leave me in pain for a couple of days," said Mr Atkins, of Ombersley Road.
"Getting the wheelchair has made a real difference to me. SSAFA did really well as it's been a struggle to get one."
Mr Atkins and his wife Jane both entered the draw for tickets to the concert, which was held on Monday and he succeeded in winning a pair.
"The concert was brilliant," he said.
"We parked in Kensington Palace and we were escorted through to Buckingham Palace.
"I was on a platform next to the small stage looking across above everyone else. It was so good, just the atmosphere and being there.
"I'm a Queen fan so I liked their performances with all the different people. Jane likes Toploader so she enjoyed it when they came on.
"Without the wheelchair it would have been a struggle but I still would have been there.
"I'm suffering a bit now but I think I would have been in a right state if I hadn't had the chair. There was so much walking involved."
The Worcester City and Rural branch of SSAFA has bought the former private in the Royal Logistics Corps a lightweight wheelchair, which he is able to move himself.
He is unable to work and spends his time at home looking after his 18-month-old daughter Connie-Mae.
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