A DETERMINED harmonica player who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS) has made an amazing return to performing.

Paul Gillies is the sort of man who won’t let anything get in his way – that is why despite his MS he has trekked up Mount Vesuvius on crutches, power-boated in New Zealand, bungee-jumped over the River Thames and parachuted from 10,000ft.

The passionate music fan, 47, had to give up his beloved blues harp in 1999 as his condition made it too difficult to play.

But after his friend Tim Aves introduced him to a new kind of microphone and taught him an alternative technique, he has made a remarkable comeback with his band Wheelchair Willy and the Whiprounds.

Since forming in April, the group – made up of Paul, Colchester drummer Stevie Bee and three guitarists from Witham – has raised £10,000 to buy its star performer a special all-terrain powered wheelchair.

They are now targeting a “dream” appearance at the Kelvedon Music Festival next summer.

“I would like the crowds to see someone like me still doing it even though I’m dealing with health issues,” said Mr Gillies, of Guithavon Road, Witham.

He admitted the need to continue with life as normal is a big driving force for him as he aims to inspire others with the disease.

“One of the things that drives me on is talking to people who are negative. I feed off that and am determined never to be like that,” he said.

Visit myspace.com/wheel chairwillyandthewhiprounds for more information about the group.