A SILSDEN shopkeeper has proved himself a top fundraiser for an epilepsy charity.

Paul Waddington, of Paul's DIY in Briggate, has raised £1,642 in his latest venture for the British Epileptic Association.

He was the top contributor to the Out in the Open campaign in which epilepsy sufferers took part in locally organised sponsored walks.

But it is not the first time Paul, who has epilepsy and other disabilities, has been a top fundraiser.

Previously he sold 2,582 raffle tickets in one campaign, which the charity described as an all-time record.

His father, Eric, describes Paul as an inspiration.

Despite having epilepsy since he was 18 months old, he runs his own business, has his own home, has a full driving licence and works tirelessly for epilepsy charities and Airedale Hospital.

"Paul is a great inspiration to anyone who has epilepsy. People who have it may think it is the end of the world, but it isn't and life does go on and most people can live a normal life," said Eric.

Paul's shop has been a thriving business for 24 years.

He said that without his customers, he would never be able to raise so much and he thanked them all for their support.

But it has not always been like that.

When Paul was first diagnosed, attitudes towards the condition were quite different. He had to go to a special school for the first three years of secondary education because the authorities didn't think he would cope in a mainstream class.

When he left South Craven School he got a job at a local supermarket, but was given a month's notice when bosses realised he had epilepsy. "Now people are a lot more educated about it," he said.

Paul still has to be careful, he limits himself to a couple of shandies when he goes out, and doesn't go to nightclubs. He eats healthily and keeps himself fit with walking and swimming. By doing this he avoids having fits.

"I have to be sensible, and go for regular medicals," he added.

Paul added fundraising was a way of giving something back to those who have helped him cope with the condition.

"When you are diagnosed with epilepsy, you think you are the only one in the world, but you're not. It helps to know other people are going through the same thing and that there is help out there," added Eric.