A FORMER Royal Marine has been nominated for an armed forces community award after rebuilding his life following an accident that left him paralysed from the chest down.

Spencer Vaughan, aged 26, from Cwmbran, is shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award in the Soldering On Through Life Awards, which celebrate the outstanding achievements of armed forces’ teams or individuals.

Mr Vaughan was paralysed after diving head first into an underwater sandbank on a manoeuvre with 45 Commando in 2010.

The impact broke his neck in three places and he stopped breathing but was resuscitated by quick-thinking colleagues.

Metal plates were fitted to support damaged vertebrae, and he underwent 18 months of intensive physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and electrotherapy, before transferring to Headley Court Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre in Surrey, to build his strength and adapt to living independently.

Despite gruelling and ongoing rehabilitation, his positive and cheerful attitude to coping with life-changing adversity has impressed many, including the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), which nominated him for the award.

Having recovered his fitness, Mr Vaughan decided he wanted to help others with physical limitations, so trained as a fitness instructor and now encourages disabled people to take part in physical activity.

During a work placement at Plymouth Life Centre he helped people with gym-based workouts, and helped change staff perceptions about the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities and what they can achieve in terms of fitness.

Mr Vaughan’s next challenge will combine physical activity and fitness with an academic element, through a degree in sports biomedicine and nutrition at Cardiff University.

“Spencer is determined his disability won’t prevent him from leading a full and active life, packed with the sporting pursuits he loves, and has always dedicated himself to helping others,” said Jessica Ortlepp, of RNRMC.

For more on Mr Vaughan’s story, and To vote for him to receive the award, visit www.soldieringon.org/soldiering-on-awards-2015/spencer-vaughan