A CWMBRAN man who woke up to find he had lost the use of his legs is shortlisted for a national award to find brave Britons.

Former Royal Engineer Jamie McAnsh is one of four people in the Against All Odds category of the Charles Holland Awards for Brave Britons.

After slowly losing sensation in his legs, he was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome resulting from damaged sensory nerves in his lower back.

Having previously led an active lifestyle, Mr McAnsh relies on a wheelchair 80 per cent of the time, but can walk short distances on crutches.

He said: “My condition changed my life. I was forced to change my job, my home and my active hobbies.

“After a period of depression I began playing wheelchair basketball, and later was chosen to play for the Cardiff Celts. Also, I was chosen for the Welsh wheelchair rugby team and played in the home nations.”

Mr McAnsh set up a website called SeeNoBounds.co.uk two years ago to help people adopt a more positive approach to life and tackle adversity.

He added: “In January 2015 I decided to task myself with new limits and set a challenge each month.

“These included wheelchair motocross, completing a marathon using a handcycle, clay pigeon shooting, theWAAT4 Challenge in the Brecon Beacons, surfing, canoeing, zip-lining, and riding a motorbike.”

The award, sponsored by Amplifon, honour people who have made a difference after overcoming adversity, and Caerphilly’s Simon Weston leads the judging panel.

Mr Weston said: “When I read Jamie McAnsh's story it was truly touching. He has shown a great deal of courage and selflessness.”

The winner will be announced at a ceremony at the Churchill War Rooms in London on Wednesday, August 24.