A FORMER soldier has spoken out about the life-limiting condition that has left him confined to a wheelchair.

Peter Leatham, 56, from Brymbo, suffers from motor neurone disease.

Up until last year the former Territorial Army soldier was still playing football, but has now had to move into the Highfield care home at Pendine Park.

He said: “I was still playing football twice a week until just over a year ago and was lifting weights up until last September trying to beat the disease, but there’s nothing I can do.

“It’s impossible for my wife to cope at home as I only have a tiny amount of movement now in my right hand. So we decided the best thing to do was for me to go into a care home where there are professionals to help me."

He said: “I am coming to terms with this dreadful disease. I was still officially in the Territorial Army up until earlier this year. I had 25 years’ service.

“The disease started with pins and needles in my toes after I played football then I noticed my right leg going numb.”

Peter is now adjusting to life in the care home.

He added: “Here at Pendine Park I get the care I need and things are so much easier. I really do like the place and I am settling in well, in no small part, to the first class staff.

“I can watch the horseracing on telly and I can enjoy a pint of Guinness of a night when I want. It really is home from home.”

Peter has recently met with Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham, Jim and Elizabeth Kelly who visited Highfield as part of its Silver Jubilee celebrations.

Cllr Kelly was thrilled that he and his wife were asked to be guests of honour at the 15th birthday party.

He said: “Quite simply it is a privilege and joy to be able to come here to this wonderful establishment and join in their celebrations.

“The people of Wrexham and surrounding regions should be rightly proud of
Pendine Park care organisation and its fabulous staff.”