HE is regarded as a shining example of how people can triumph in face of adversity.

Paul Diaper suffers from a raft of health problems, including blurred vision, excess fluid in the brain and a bone condition that has led to seven hip replacements.

But he regularly puts his own difficulties to one side to help others at the Southampton branch of the brain injury charity Headway.

Now the 59-year-old father of three has been shortlisted for the title of volunteer of the year at the national brain injury awards.

Paul is one of just three people from across the UK who are in the running for the accolade, which will be presented at the Dorchester Hotel in London on December 8.

After suffering optical nerve damage at the age of the 19, his eyesight steadily deteriorated and he has been registered blind for the past 15 years.

His sight loss was caused by intracranial hypertension, a build-up of pressure in the brain caused by excess fluid.

Paul also developed avascular necrosis, a condition in which bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood cells and causes the bones themselves to crumble.

Over the past three decades he has had to endure seven hip replacements and two shoulder replacements.

But in spite of his own health problems Paul has spent six years supporting brain injury survivors and the work of Headway Southampton, which is based in Commercial Road, Totton.

He accompanies service users to concerts, helps them cook and hosts afternoon teas in the garden of his Marchwood home.

Paul said: "I find my weekly volunteering extremely rewarding. Every brain injury survivor is different but when they open up, and you know they're enjoying themselves, it's a fantastic feeling."

He is always accompanied by his guide dog, a golden labrador called Joey, whom he describes as a "big ball of love".

Paul was nominated by Jo Hillier, deputy manager of Headway Southampton, who said: "Paul is a great ambassador for the organisation. He spreads the word about what we do and organises fundraising events in the community.

"He even persuaded his local pharmacy to fundraise on our behalf this summer and baked delicious cakes for their stall.

"Paul really deserves the volunteer of the year accolade.

"He's a shining example of what successful long-term volunteering is all about. He gives his time and energy and in turn receives friendship, support and fun times."