Incredible moment wheelchair-user Army hero struggles to his feet to salute the Queen one last time

A WHEELCHAIR-user Army Afghanistan veteran struggled to his feet to salute the Queen one last time after queuing for hours to pay tribute.

Determined former Sgt Nick Wilson waited patiently with thousands of other mourners yesterday for a final opportunity to honour his late Commander-in-Chief.

Just after 1pm, Nick, 46 — who has a severe spinal injury — got his chance as he approached the Queen’s coffin in Westminster Hall.

He dug deep to lift himself for the final gesture.

Nick, who also served in Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Iraq during his 15 years in the Royal Logistic Corps, wanted to show his respects while standing up, come what may.

Nick, from Towcester, Northants, said: “I still have an element of mobility so I stood for a moment and gave my boss a salute one last time.

“I swore an oath of allegiance to serve Queen and country and I was desperate to pay my final respects.

“I got in there just as they did Changing the Guard so I got an extra couple of minutes there.

“As I turned my wheelchair and left the hall, it hit me and I had a cry.

“It was very emotional.”