The 29-year-old picked up the Achievement Through Sport honour at the Spirit of London Awards after he was selected as the winner of his category by WBA boxing heavyweight champion David Haye, Fulham footballing star Dickson Etuhu and Olympic 400 metre champion Christine Ohuruogu.

Hughes' mother Margaret claimed she was delighted with the award, adding: "We were so shocked and so was Rob, as he sat still in his seat for what seemed like ages.

"We had to tell him at least three times 'you have won'.

"This award means so much to Rob and our family."

Hughes, a former Sutton United and Croydon Athletic player, was on the verge of signing for Ryman Premier Division side Bromley FC just over two years ago when he was brutally beaten without warning on a holiday in Malia.

Hughes had his head viciously stamped on to such an extent that his skull caved in.

He was rushed to hospital and given just 48 hours to live but somehow managed to survive following four life-saving operations.

Hughes was told he would never play football again but returned to action last year with the aid of a protective head guard.

He now suffers from memory loss, obsessive compulsive disorder and fits but has successfully returned to football for Bromley in July last year wearing a protective skullcap, similar to the one used by Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech.

He could actually now end up representing Britain at the London 2012 Paralympics after an impressive display at an England training camp in July this year in front of the FA's national manager for disability football, Jeff Davis.

Gary Trowsdale, the founder of the Spirit of London Awards, said: "I can sum it up in three words: triumph over adversity.

"He was a really worthy winner."

Hughes had been said to have been contemplating suicide after the sickening attack but there is little doubt that his story is a huge source of inspiration to many.

The star-studded Spirit of London awards at the IndigO2 in Greenwich were organised by the Damilola Taylor Trust and attended by a host of celebrities, including former Eastenders actress Barbara Windsor and 2008 X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.

Meanwhile, the five men accused of the assault on Hughes, who had been extradited to Greece, were bailed and have been allowed to return to the UK.

The case against the men is set to resume next year.

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