A champion sprinter who hoped to compete in this year's summer olympics is helping to look after cancer patients through the coronavirus pandemic.

Alex Beechey, the reigning national champion in the 200m for Cyprus, should be doing warm weather training in Florida ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.

But with the international event having been postponed because of Covid-19, the 28-year-old and qualified physiotherapist is working shifts at Watford Peace Hospice on an intensive palliative care unit (ITU).

He is working with terminal cancer patients at the hospice, covering where their physio and care staff have been redeployed to the frontline.

With a background in respiratory care on an ITU, Mr Beechey said: "It all seemed to fall into place and I am proud to be contributing towards the national effort fighting the pandemic.

"I’m pulled in any direction – I’m just glad I’m here to help. My job is to be an empathetic human being and just be there – I love to listen."

Mr Beechey, who is also a part time academy physio for Tottenham Hotspur, added that he felt "compelled" to volunteer based on his grandfather’s experience during the Second World War, where many were not given a choice to be involved.

As well as his shifts, Mr Beechey is also delivering physiotherapy to the Herts Valleys community, helping musculoskeletal patients remotely through telephone and video consultations, offering diagnosis, education and treatment.

He continued: "In 10 years when I look back, I can proudly say I’ve tried to play my part.”