An adrenaline junkie who shunned extreme sports to tend to his sick wife has been named the most heroic husband of 2008 in a national competition.

Chris Laws, 35, from Sutton, fell for his partner Kathryn, also 35, over their shared enthusiasm for mountaineering, skiing and adventure holidays.

But the couple had to put their plans on hold when Kathryn developed vasculitis, a rare disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels.

For two years Chris became such a fixture at her hospital bedside that he earned a nomination for the Eve magazine and Nivea for Men award.

Kathryn said: “It’s been extremely difficult for him to put aside his love for adventure to help me fight my illness but his support has been unwavering.”

“However long you’ve been with someone you just can’t predict how they’ll react in that situation but Chris has been my rock.

“I was in my bed recovering from surgery when I got the call to say we’d won our category, it really lifted my spirits.

“It’s important to show Chris just how grateful I am for everything he’s sacrificed for me.

“Despite the bad luck we’ve had, I still feel like an incredibly lucky person, because I’ve met Chris.”

The couple attended the presentation ceremony in London where they met the judging panel, including interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.