A FORMER soldier who awoke to find he had lost the use of his legs, has been shortlisted for an award to find the bravest Briton.

In 2014 after celebrating Christmas and New Year, Cwmbran man Jamie McAnsh discovered he was unable to move his legs. Although he was eventually able to move again, the condition began reoccurring and worsening until eventually he lost the use of his legs over the course of a few months.

The ex-Royal engineer was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome and began needing to use a wheelchair to get around.

“My condition changed my life. I was forced to change my job, my home, and my active hobbies,” said Mr McAnsh.

“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.”

After overcoming his depression and getting active again, Mr McAnsh decided to use a website he had started to inspire other people in similar situations.

The 35-year-old from Coed Eva set up his "See No Bounds" website in August 2014 which has allowed him to share his experiences and help others.

This has led to him being nominated as one of four finalists in the Against All Odds category of the Charles Holland Awards.

“It is a great honour to be nominated – I am really humbled,” said Mr McAnsh. “Ever since I started the website and the blog, it has been amazing to hear the stories and experiences of people who are in similar positions to me.”

On Wednesday, Mr McAnsh will find out if he has won the award, and the judging panel has been led by Caerphilly’s Simon Weston.

The ceremony is held at the Churchill War Rooms in London, and the overall winner at the awards will win a holiday to Italy.

“It has been hard to get to grips with the condition and I can’t thank my family enough,” added Mr McAnsh.

“My wife has had to adapt to the condition as have my wider family. It has been tough for everyone but it is all about adapting and doing what you can.

“I am still going through physiotherapy to help with my condition, in fact I have some organised for a few weeks’ time. My aim is to keep on doing what I can and not let CRPS hold me back. If I can help someone along the way, that's great too.”