Paul Diaper from Marchwood, Southampton, will join just two other finalists chosen from across the UK to be in the running for the title of Volunteer of the Year at the national brain injury awards ceremony organised by Headway – the brain injury association.
The accolade, sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors, will be presented at a ceremony organised by Headway – the brain injury association at the Dorchester Hotel in London on Friday 8 December.
After suffering optical nerve damage at the age of the 19, Paul's eyesight steadily deteriorated and he has been registered blind for the past 15 years.
He was diagnosed with intracranial hypertension, a build up of pressure on the brain caused by excess fluid. To drain the fluid, he was fitted with a shunt in his spine, then later his head. But the shunts have caused their own problems, such as becoming blocked, which Paul still has difficulties with.
As a result of being treated with steroids, Paul also developed avascular necrosis, when the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood cells caused his bones to crumble, like honeycomb.
He had his first hip replacement at the age of 29, and has had seven hip replacements and two shoulder replacements in the past 30 years.
In spite of these health problems, the father-of-three has dedicated the past six years of his life to supporting brain injury survivors and the work of Headway Southampton.
Whether he is accompanying service users to live music gigs, helping them cook, or hosting an afternoon tea with scones in his garden, Paul is always doing what he can to support brain injury survivors and raise awareness of the condition.
"I find my weekly volunteering at Headway Southampton extremely rewarding," he said. "Every brain injury survivor is different but when they open up to you and you know they're enjoying themselves it's a fantastic feeling."
His gorgeous guide dog Joey, a golden labrador who is a real favourite with service users, is always by his side and joins in with all the different groups and activities.
"The service users love Joey," said Paul. "When I visit he will walk around the room to say hello to everyone. He's a big ball of love. My old dog Arnie used to accompany me and they loved him too."
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 for us in his local community.
"He even persuaded his local pharmacy to fund raise on our behalf this summer and baked delicious cakes for their stall.
"Paul really deserves the Volunteer of the Year accolade, he is a shining example of what successful long-term volunteering is all about - giving but also receiving, he gives his time and energy and in turn receives friendship, support and fun times!"
Each year, Headway Annual Awards celebrates the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury, their carers and volunteers. Paul will discover if he will be named Volunteer of the Year at a glittering ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel, in London, on Friday 8 December. Awards for Achiever and Carer of the Year will also be presented by the charity's Vice President, double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell, alongside the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award.
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