It’s not hard to see why Paul de Gelder was recently named one of Australia’s 16 most inspirational people by Minx magazine.

It’s not everyday one gets attacked by a massive bull shark and not only lives to tell the story but goes on to help and inspire people at home and overseas.

De Gelder, formerly an able seaman with the Royal Australian Navy, was attacked by a 3metre bull shark during a routine anti-terrorism training exercise off Garden Island four years ago.

His hand was severed in the near-fatal mauling and doctors were later forced to amputate his right leg above the knee.

But amazingly since then de Gelder has faced his fears head on twice – and dived with sharks in an oceanarium.

This Saturday he will tell his story at the Austinmer Surf Life Saving Club presentation night.

The special guest speaker is sure to enthral one and all with his inspirational story of mental and physical courage.

Discharged from hospital,  de Gelder refused to go to a rehabilitation institute and declined sessions with a counsellor. He chose to help himself, and with support from his friends, four months after the attack de Gelder went skydiving with his partner.

Today he’s back surfing, driving a car and pumping out 20 chin-ups with the help of specially designed prosthetics. He has also flown a plane and raced a Porsche.

Those in the crowd this Saturday night will hear how de Gelder overcame adversity and beat the odds through a combination of physical strength, and the sheer will to live.

Since the much-publicised shark attack in 2009, de Gelder has forged a new career as a motivational speaker, mentor and author. His presentations range from talking to kids with cancer  to US Navy divers who recently flew him to San Diego and gave him a standing ovation.

Tickets for the dinner cost $40/$20 and include a canape dinner.

Tickets, information:  0408 273 443 or 0414 682 888