A teenager with muscular dystrophy has been given back his independence with a new powered wheelchair.

Kai Shah, 14, from Potters Bar, is a typical teenager but due to his condition has never crawled, stood up or walked, and when he grew out of his powered wheelchair his life became restricted and dependent.

But now a new, larger wheelchair, worth £19,709, has been given to him via Newlife charity for disabled children, meaning he can now get back to doing the activities he loves like playing video games and football.

His mother Sonia said: "When his powered wheelchair became too small he couldn’t do anything – the wheelchair is his legs. As he doesn’t have the muscle strength to propel himself he became reliant on others to push him and no longer had his independence.

"When Kai received the new powered wheelchair his face just lit up. I can’t explain how happy he was.

"He calls it his Porsche and won’t let anyone else touch it!"

The new wheelchair was given through the charity's partnership with high street chain River Island, which saw the profit from every plastic bag to fund new equipment for disabled children like Kai.

Now Kai, who plays for Watford-based wheelchair premiership football team Evergreen, is comfortable and able to stretch out his legs, and it will recline when he gets tired.

Sonia added: "Kai isn’t complaining about back and hip pain as often as he did before, so it’s keeping him really comfortable. The seat also goes up and down so he can rise up to reach things himself, as well as speak to people face to face – it’s so nice that he can do this.

"The powered wheelchair has made a whole lot of difference and Kai is much happier. Despite his difficulties he tries to make the most of life and this helps him do that."

The charity has already helped 202 children across Hertfordshire.

For more information or to get involved visit www.newlifecharity.co.uk/hertfordshire