A HAMPSHIRE volunteer hailed as a shining example of how people can triumph in face of adversity has narrowly missed out on a national award.

Paul Diaper was one of only three people short-listed for the volunteer of the year accolade presented by the brain injury association Headway.

But the 59-year-old father of three from Marchwood was pipped to the post by one of the other contenders.

He received his runner-up award from former Olympic rower James Cracknell, 45, who won gold at Sydney in 2000 and Athens in 2004.

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

But he puts his own problems to one side to help out at Headway Southampton, which is based in Commercial Road, Totton.

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.

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 Headway Southampton. 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.

"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."