Leigh McLean’s husband Colin loved the gym and was always really fit until multiple sclerosis changed his life.

The 57-year-old was diagnosed over a decade ago but since 2020 he has gone from being able to work and drive to being in a wheelchair permanently – and needing carers four times a day.

His wife Leigh told the BBC she has found an unlikely way of coping with her caring duties which has also brought the couple closer together – a fitness competition.

Hyrox, an indoor fitness race in which thousands of people take part in a series of challenges, has seen a dramatic increase in popularity since it started in Germany in 2017.

Leigh, who is 51, says having a competitive goal has helped her remain upbeat and positive which her husband ‘feeds’ off.

“When he hears I’m doing a competition, it gets him interested and it’s something for us to talk about,” she said.

“He will ask about my training and what I’ve been doing. He can get involved in it and be my support.

“I think it would be really disrespectful for me to sit on my bum with full mobility. There is no reason I can’t achieve these things.”