IT IS a gift that has completely changed little Sophia Banger’s life.

The six-year-old, who was born with cerebral palsy, is confined to a wheelchair for much of the time and needs assistance to get about.

But the daughter of former Southampton footballer Nicky Banger has seen her life improve dramatically, thanks to a generous donation from the Ex-Saints Association.

They have funded a brand new, bespoke, wheelchair that will give the Hiltingbury Infant School pupil a far greater level of independence.

Former Saints players Matt Le Tissier, Francis Benali, David Hughes and Hughie Fisher presented her with the £2,500 gift in front of her classmates and teachers.

The pink wheelchair has been designed specifically for Sophia.

It features larger wheels that allow her to move the chair around herself, rather than relying on an adult to push her – something she has been dependent on until now.

“This makes such a hell of a difference to our daughter,” said Mr Banger, who made more than 60 appearances for Saints. “It’s changed her life completely.

“She struggles to get around, so her own independence is pretty much through the wheelchair.

“It really is a vital piece of equipment and she wouldn’t have been able to get it if it wasn’t for the Ex-Saints.”

Mike Thew, director of the Ex- Saints Association, was also there for the presentation.

He said: “To be able to do this for Sophia is absolutely fantastic.

“We realised that she needed a wheelchair, so I spoke to the board and we said ‘This is the sort of thing we want to do.’ “We hope to be able to expand on this and do a lot more for children in this sort of situation.”

Sophia’s head teacher Sue Moores added: “Sophia is a credit to her parents. She is extremely popular with the other children and always has a smile on her face, which lights up the day.”