The shot, javelin and discus thrower won gold and silver medals when he represented Britain at the 1988 Paralympics in Seoul and the 1992 Games in Barcelona.

The Dicdot postal worker was also awarded an MBE for his services to equal opportunities in 1994.

Hayden had been left disabled while serving in the Army and suffering severe injuries to his back, legs and shoulders when attacked on guard duty in Tidworth, Wiltshire, in 1974.

In 1986 he joined the Vale of the White Horse Association for the Disabled and began to train and compete with crutches.

He won two gold medals and one silver at the Paralympics in Seoul and two golds at the 1990 World Championships in Holland.

After an injury at the World Championships he was confined to a wheelchair but he went on to win two silver medals at the Paralympics in Barcelona in 1992.

He was forced to retire from international sport when he injured his back while trying to qualify for the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics.

In 1995 the Royal Mail sponsored him as he cycled 1,068 miles over 23 days from John O'Groats to Land's End on a hand-powered cycle.

He raised about £100,000 for the British Paralympic Association.

Hayden was also a keen golfer and joined the Handigolf Foundation playing from a specially-adapted buggy.

He leaves daughter Sarah, 32, son Will, 28, and two grandchildren Thomas, seven, and Henry, three.

In a statement, his family said: "All through his life Ian worked hard to overcome the challenges that came his way.

"Family and friends were always very important to him.

"He had an amazing life and he was loved by all who knew him."

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