Every now and again, something happens which makes it all worthwhile...

I've just got round to today's post and read a letter from Paul Conway, of Norton, near Stockton-on-Tees. It's one of the nicest letters anyone has sent in my 15 years as editor of The Northern Echo.

In December, Paul, 53, was honoured at our Local Heroes Awards, celebrating the achievements of the stars of grass roots sport. Paul was presented with the Senior remarkable Achievement Award in recognition of his inspiring story.

In 2003, Paul had been preparing to represent Great Britain in the marathon at the Over-40s World Championships in Australia. His dreams - and his health - were left in tatters when a blood clot on his brain left him paralysed down one half of his body.

At first, he had to spend at least 50 per cent of his time in a wheelchair but he was advised by a doctor to try equine therapy at the RDA Unicorn Centre in Hemlington, Middlesbrough.

He had never sat on a horse before but, ten months later, he won a national award for the most improved rider. It was presented by television presenter Clare Balding.

In his letter to me, Paul gave me an update. It had clearly been something of a struggle to write but it left me with a lump in my throat:

"I do so much with my award you gave me. I visit the disabled children and adults and tell them never to give in to disability. I tell them about riding therapy and show them my award. I got a new hat with the prize money you gave me. What was left, I gave to the centre so children can have therapy if they can't afford it.

"I told you at The Northern Echo that I would make you proud that you gave me the award. On Sunday, February 23, I gained a first place rosette in dressage so I kept my word.

"Sorry for my spelling but still having lessons to read and right but they tell me I'm doing OK. Kind regards."

It seems to me that Paul's doing more than OK.