A city strongman is at risk of paralysis and cannot even lift his two-year-old son unless he gets a life-changing operation.

Leeroi Smith, 30, from Brewers Court in NR3, is England and Britain's Strongest Man in the under-90 kilo category but needs spinal fusion surgery as five damaged discs - one of which is prolapsed - in his neck are causing daily pain and numbness in his left arm.

The self-employed digger driver and groundworker, has gone from training 18 hours a week to being fearful about any movement at home or work, including picking up his son Lincoln for fear it will worsen his condition and cause permanent paralysis.

Norwich Evening News: Leeroi Smith, 30, from Norwich, a competitive strong man (pictured in 2022, is concerned about paralysis and unable to compete because of disc damage in his neckLeeroi Smith, 30, from Norwich, a competitive strong man (pictured in 2022, is concerned about paralysis and unable to compete because of disc damage in his neck (Image: Brittany Woodman)

He said: "If the problem is not fixed and gets worse the pressure on the spinal cord could mean there is paralysis from the neck down, in my left arm or from the neck up.

"Every time I pick up my son I hope I'm not going to paralyse myself."

Mr Smith went for a private consultation after an MRI last month revealed the extent of his disc damage and was told surgery was the only option but it would cost between £12,000 and £15,000.

He currently faces a 12-month wait for it on the NHS and is on strong prescription medication to manage the pain.

Mr Smith said: "I had a tingling feeling in my shoulder just before Christmas. I have to sometimes use my other arm to physically move it now."

The father-of-one has competed professionally in strongman contests for four years and trains at Big Andy's gym in Dereham and added his interest helps with mental health.

Norwich Evening News: Leeroi Smith, 30, from Norwich, pictured in 2022, who has had to postpone competing in strongest man contests because of a disc damage in his neck. He wants surgery to avoid permanent paralysisLeeroi Smith, 30, from Norwich, pictured in 2022, who has had to postpone competing in strongest man contests because of a disc damage in his neck. He wants surgery to avoid permanent paralysis (Image: Brittany Woodman)

Mr Smith, who does not have £15,000 to spare, understood NHS staff were underpaid and overworked but was frustrated by the 12-month delay in NHS spinal fusion operations adding there should be a system overhaul.

Friends at the gym have set up a GoFundMe fundraiser for the procedure which made the athlete feel overwhelmed, with over £1,500 already raised.

Mr Smith is hoping to do more competitions after coming fifth in the World's Strongest Man Under-90kg contest in Florida in 2021 but if his disc problem was not fixed it would put a stop to that.