TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who battled for more than a decade against a progressive, disabling and incurable illness.

John Trewavas, of Highcliffe, first showed symptoms of motor neurone disease in 1993, when he was 51, but it was not confirmed until three years later. The average life expectancy is one to five years after diagnosis, but he lived on for more than 11 years.

Widower and father of two Mr Trewavas dealt with his illness by concentrating on his abilities, not his disabilities.

After taking early retirement from his job as finance director at a large hospital in 1996, he enrolled on a post-graduate teaching course and became a university lecturer.

He took on a part-time finance director's post, developed a degree course in healthcare infomatics, and became a school governor and trustee of a respite care charity.

Following his second retirement, he tackled a master's degree and doctorate, became a tutor on the NHS expert patient programme, and a trustee of the national board of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

A keen walker, he was also treasurer of the New Forest Ramblers and of his local Conservative Association branch.

Alan Graham, chairman of the board of trustees at the Motor Neurone Disease Association, said: "John was a truly inspiring and determined person who contributed greatly to our work.

"Because John lived with MND he brought a unique perspective, which was greatly valued. Everyone at the association is incredibly saddened by John's death and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult and painful time."

Judy Jamieson, Tory party agent for Christchurch, said: "He was a wonderful person. He worked tirelessly for the party right up to the end. He was always cheerful and very helpful. It was an honour and a pleasure to have known and worked with him."

Trish Jamieson, secretary of the West Highcliffe branch of the Conservative Association, said: "He was still doing our accounts up to the last month or so. He was a lovely person: charming and well-mannered."