A HARLOW man has been shortlisted to win the holiday of a lifetime thanks to his extensive work with disabled skiers and the British Paralympics Association.

Graham Peacock, who is from Harlow, has reached the final five in a competition to win a trip to Iceland, run by online fashion retailer and thermal expert Damart. The final winner will be determined via public vote through the company’s website and Facebook page.

Following a skiing holiday in Switzerland over a decade ago, Graham developed a passion for the sport, spending several evenings a week at the artificial slope in Harlow.

The completely addicted Graham, who at the time was holding down a career in banking, was then approached to become an instructor at the centre, and was struck by the amount of disabled skiers on the slopes. Having trained those with a host of physical impairments, Graham took over the position of manager of the British disabled ski team.

Graham said: “Through my work, I have realised that to these skiers, physical impairments aren’t seen as an obstacle. One of my proudest moments was training an injured soldier who was paralysed from the waist down, and helping him ski by himself on a specially modified mono-ski. The determination you see is just incredible.”

Graham added: “It’s an honour to have been nominated to win this fantastic prize. I’d love to visit Iceland and get a well-deserved break; I’m currently asking everyone I know to go online and vote for me!”

Phil Anderson, E-Commerce and Marketing Director at Damart commented: “The aim of this competition was to reward someone worthy of a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to celebrate Damart’s 60th anniversary. Hearing about the positive work Graham has done over the years shows that he really is deserving; he’s dedicated so much time to helping others realise their ability on the slopes.”

Those wishing to place a vote for Graham can visit the damart website, or alternatively Facebook users can vote on the Damart Facebook page. The winners will be taken on an all-expenses paid five-day trip to Iceland to see the northern lights, as well as winning £250 worth of Damart clothing, including their famous thermals.