As one of Britain’s best-known diet gurus, Dr Michael Mosley helped countless people turn their lives around – but there was one special person who kickstarted his own health journey.

Michael, who has tragically died at the age of 67, often worked alongside his wife and fellow medic, Dr Clare Bailey, who he met during their studies at UCL Medical School. Clare shared Michael’s passion for healthy living and offered the encouragement he needed to stay on the right track.

As the world grieves the loss of renowned nutrition expert Michael, the Mirror takes a look at how his wife Clare helped transform his eating habits…

Former GP Clare encouraged Michael to take a more balanced approach to food – and they both fondly likened him to a ‘Labrador’ and her to a ‘Grey Hound’. Before they first locked eyes as medical students, like many young people, Michael never ate his greens, but he soon came around under Clare’s caring influence.

Wife Clare told The Times earlier this year: “We would sit in the hospital café at lunchtime and Michael would have sandwiches with bright red salami. He never ate greens. His default, to be honest, was school food.”

Years into their 44-year relationship, Michael’s sweet tooth still proved to be his Achilles’ heel, and Clare revealed that she still had to hide sweet treats from her chocoholic husband. She told the publication in April: “We say that he’s a labrador because they eat anything. There were times when he would open a packet of biscuits and the whole lot would be gone. Whereas I’m a greyhound — one of those annoying people who doesn’t have weight to lose.”

This relatable martial anecdote comes as fans mourn the loss of Dr Mosley, who was found dead after vanishing during a coastal hike on the paradisal Greek island of Symi. He and Clare had been holidaying together, and it was she who raised the alarm after he never returned to their accommodation.

Clare made a heartbreaking statement after her husband’s remains were discovered by a fence in a rocky area of the island – just 50 yards away from a beachside bar. Describing the news as ‘devastating’, the mother-of-four shared: “I don’t know quite where to begin with this. It’s devastating to have lost Michael, my wonderful, funny, kind and brilliant husband. We had an incredibly lucky life together. We loved each other very much and were so happy together.

“I am incredibly proud of our children, their resilience and support over the past days. My family and I have been hugely comforted by the outpouring of love from people from around the world. It’s clear that Michael meant a huge amount to so many of you.”

She continued: “Michael was an adventurous man, it’s part of what made him so special. We are so grateful to the extraordinary people on Symi who have worked tirelessly to help find him. Some of these people on the island, who hadn’t even heard of Michael, worked from dawn till dusk unasked.

“We’re also very grateful to the press who have dealt with us with great respect. I feel so lucky to have our children and my amazing friends. Most of all, I feel so lucky to have had this life with Michael. Thank you all.”

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