A NATIONAL charity for the armed forces has helped an ex soldier from Winchester after he was diagnosed with a life-changing illness.

Colour Sergeant Carl Stringer, from Winchester, was discharged from the army last year on medical grounds after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis (MS) He had served in the Royal Hampshire Regiment and the amalgamated Princess of Wales Royal Regiment for 22 years, including two tours of Iraq as recently as September 2009.

But thanks to the Ideal Homes for Heroes Scheme, Mr Stringer has received funding for a ground floor bedroom, a level access wet room and a wheelchair ramp.

Mr Stringer said: “The renovations have had a massive impact on what I can do. It has changed my life totally and has had a positive effect on my condition. I can administer to myself in one place and has simply improved my quality of life. I don’t need to go upstairs and so there are no falls on the stairs anymore.”

The 2010 Ideal Home Show raised over £102,000 for the Ideal Homes for Heroes appeal, which has since helped with home improvements for more than 150 other soldiers.

As well as 50p from every ticket sold being donated to the appeal, the show will be holding a special Troops Day on Saturday, March 12. Organisers are hoping to raise a total of £150,000 from the 17-day event, which starts on 11 March.

For further information visit www.soldierscharity.org/events-and-campaigns/ideal-homes-for-heroes-appeal/ or www.idealhomeshow.co.uk.