A KEIGHLEY company has come to the aid of a Falklands War veteran in Sutton who had been left housebound by a terminal heart condition.

Gary Westmoreland, 58, who had a stroke early this year, was unable to get out of his home after leaving hospital because he could not manage the 22 stone steps leading up to his flat.

The left side of his heart does not work properly, leaving him short of breath and following his stroke in February he has needed to use a wheelchair.

But Unicorn Stairlifts, based in Aireworth Mills, Aireworth Road, has donated and installed a stairlift for him free of charge.

Mr Westmoreland, who was in the army for at least 12 years and initially served in the Catering Corps then the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, said the business's intervention had been hugely appreciated.

"I wouldn't be able to get out of my home without their support – I'm very grateful and thankful," he said.

Mr Westmoreland was born in Leeds and has been living in Sutton since November last year. He previously lived in Utley, Keighley.

After leaving the army he worked as a butcher and he was also a regional sales manager for Safestyle UK, in Bradford.

Chris Green, the owner of Unicorn Stairlifts, said: "I was approached by someone from the head office of Soldiers, Sailors & Airmen's Families Association, (SSAFA) who told us about what had happened to Gary.

"I know he and his wife had been trying to get help with this, but to no avail. Other companies had said fitting a stairlift in this property would be too complex a job for them to do for free.

"But I said I'd go down myself and have a look. When I met Gary and saw the situation he was in I absolutely wanted to help, even though I could see it would be a big job.

"This was 22 steps, with a curve as well, so it wasn't just a standard home installation, but I knew I couldn't walk away from it.

"We put the stairlift in over one day on September 22, and Gary is very happy with it. I'm very glad to have been able to offer this support."

Phil Kendall, who is welfare case worker for the SSAFA charity in Keighley, said: "It's a great thing that Unicorn have done. They've shown some compassion, done a wonderful job and it has made a positive difference to someone's life."

The Keighley branch of SSAFA is now based in the Drill Hall, in Lawkholme Lane, after moving from its previous base in Skipton Road.

The group helps veterans, service personnel, and their families, with a range of social and financial issues.

People wanting to contact the charity to discuss any welfare matters should e-mail wyorkshire@ssafa.org.uk or call 0345 2415600.