A VOLUNTEER at a Southampton hospital who spent his final years helping others while suffering from motor neurone disease has died.

Grandad Paul Dear worked with the League of Friends for three years before he lost his battle with the debilitating condition.

Today his family, friends and colleagues will say farewell to him as his funeral takes place at lunchtime.

The 62-year-old spent his days taking newspapers and sweets to patients on the wards at Southampton General Hospital since 2011.

Kim Sutton, his friend and voluntary service manager at University Hospitals Southampton, said he had moved on to meeting and greeting patients in the hospital as his condition deteriorated.

Paying tribute to Paul, who she described as “an inspiration to others”

she said: “He was very bright, very pleasant, he never complained about anything, just such a lovely man.

“He was one of those people that doesn’t look for recognition.”

Kim added: “He had given his last three years to helping people who were more unfortunate than himself, giving up very precious time.

“We’re very honoured to have known him. He will be missed.”

Paul’s family described him as a loving husband, with a great sense of humour who would be missed by everyone.

They said: “He maintained his positive attitude to life for the whole nine years of his various illnesses but lost his final battle with motor neurone disease.”

Paul leaves behind his wife Christine, and step-children Leanne, Paul and Pip.

His funeral will be held at the East Chapel of Southampton Crematorium in Bassett Green Road today at 12.30pm.

All are welcome but the family has asked for donations to the Motor Neurone Disease Association rather than flowers.