CLIMBING the steepest hilltops or tackling a backwards marathon from the confines of his wheelchair for charity, Paul Wilkinson never allowed motor neurone disease to conquer his adventurous spirit.

But after seven years, surviving far longer than doctors had predicted, the father-of-four died at his home on September 5.

The 68-year-old, of Moredon, was diagnosed with the progressive disease, which attacks the motor neurons, in 2003 and given between three and five years to live.

Not content to resign himself to his fate and gradually let the paralysis set in, the wheelchair-bound toolmaker opted to embark on a series of challenges to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

His determination to continue to tackle life head-on while raising money for charity proved an inspiration to his children and especially grandchildren, who in turn completed a skydive for the charity.

“The doctors gave him three to five years but he lasted 10 years, through determination,” said his son John, 50.

“He was on crutches and five years ago he had to use a wheelchair, but it didn’t stop him from doing challenges. He picked the steepest hills in Swindon and went up on his own. He wouldn’t accept any help. He kept on thinking about new challanges. He kept going. He was inspirational.

“Motor neurone disease gradually crept up but the top half of his body was still moving and he was active.

“He fought really hard and he never let it stop him. He would not stay indoors. He was a very determined person and always had a smile on his face. He lived life to the full, even to the end.

“When he made up his mind to do something he would see it through. He was very independent and strong.”

MND leads to weakness and wasted muscles and affects speech, mobility, breathing and swallowing.

In 2011, the grandfather-of-three hired a Dial a Ride van for the day to take him from hill to hill as he climbed the town’s five highest peaks.

Last year, he tackled a backwards marathon at the County Ground and overall collected more than £30,000 for the MND Association and Prospect Hospice.

Paul, who received a Pride of Swindon Award, shared his inspiring life philosophy with the Adver in 2011.

“Each day for me is a new day of miracles, one in which I celebrate a life well lived, spent in deep gratitude for the longevity of my eight-year illness,” he said.

“I continue to pay little attention to my illness. My mortality has its own agenda and I have mine. ”

His devotion to his large family and the memories of his numerous acts of kindness will always be cherished by his loved ones.

“He was very family-orientated and devoted to us,” added John, a builder who lives near the town centre.

“He had three grandchildren he thought the world of.

“It’s a shock for the family. He was a lovely father and grandfather. He was amazing.”

Paul leaves four children – John, Sharon, 43, Amber, 23, Carlene, 20; and three grandchildren – Charlene, 26, Stephanie, 23 and Steven, 23.

A funeral service will be held at 2.15pm at Kingsdown Crematorium on September 26.