DANIEL Bodio, who lives a normal life despite having cystic fibrosis, has been nominated for a prestigious award.

Mr Bodio, 20, and originally from Devizes, has been shortlisted in the academic category for this year's Cystic Fibrosis Awards.

Mr Bodio, a keen sportsmen, excelled during his time at St Augustine's School, Trowbridge, and is progressing well at the University of Bath where he is studying for a sports engineering degree.

Mr Bodio is one of 24 young people to be nominated for the Cystic Fibrosis Awards.

The awards honour people living with cystic fibrosis and recognise their exceptional achievements.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited genetic disorder and causes the body to produce thick mucus that particularly affects the lungs and digestive system.

Exercise is an important part of treating cystic fibrosis.

Mr Bodio started swimming when he was four and swam for the Wiltshire team when he was a teenager.

He still swims and also cycles, runs and goes to the gym each week.

Due to his supreme fitness Mr Bodio does not need lengthy spells of physiotherapy, like many cystic fibrosis sufferers do.

He does however spend 15 minutes each morning and night taking antibiotics through a nebuliser. He also has to have check-ups every three months at Southampton General Hospital.

Mr Bodio said: "With a lot of people who have cystic fibrosis it takes a lot out of them, but with me it's always taken a back seat.

"I have a positive attitude and because of the way my cystic fibrosis has been managed it hasn't ever really stopped me doing anything.

"Just because I've got cystic fibrosis I don't feel like there's anything wrong with me.

"I don't think I am different to anyone else.

"Exercise is a big thing in my life and it stems from the fact I started swimming when I was four.

"I do make sure I take my medication. A lot of adults with cystic fibrosis don't think it's real and don't use their nebuliser but it's their health in their hands.

"As I see it, as long as I keep on top of my medication I don't see why I can't live a normal life."

Mr Bodio's parents, Bruce and Bev, still live in Devizes and he visits them regularly.

He is the second year of his degree and in July he starts a 14-month work placement at car company Invicta, in Chippenham.

After he completes his degree course, Mr Bodio wants to become a motor sport engineer.

The awards will be presented at the Hilton London Metropole on May 15 and broadcast live on Living TV at 9pm.

Mr Bodio's fiance Rebecca Pearson, 19, nominated him for the award.

Miss Pearson said Mr Bodio was an inspiration. She said: "He just tries to live a normal life which I think is the best thing about him. He never makes cystic fibrosis an issue but at the same time he takes care of himself. You wouldn't know to look at him that there was anything wrong with him."