It’s time to dig out your bike from the shed, as cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy has just announced a new charity ride taking place in Scotland this September. The tour de 4 aims to raise a shedload of cash for cancer charities as well as shine a spotlight on living with Stage 4 cancer, showing that it can be possible to lead a happy and healthy life alongside such a devastating diagnosis.
The road event takes place in Glasgow on 7 September and will start and end at the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome. Follow @tour_de4 or visit tourde4.com for more information in how you can sign up or support.
The six-time Olympic gold medallist revealed last year he had been given a terminal diagnosis for prostate cancer and was told by doctors that he had two to four years to live. He’s since written a memoir about his experience, All That Matters, and despite everything, he’s optimistic about the future.
He revealed, 'There’s people out there still around who’ve been in the similar situation for 20 years. So you know there’s hope. That is the target you know – crack on for many years.’ He added, ‘I want to change the perception of what stage 4 can look like. For a lot of people, they don’t have the luxury that I have and that time is much, much less. But for those that are in a similar situation, there’s a lot of life left to live.’
Sir Chris, 48, has also been campaigning to get more men to ask their GP for a PSA blood test, to help spot the disease at an early and treatable stage. It’s currently not routinely offered to men under 50 without symptoms, but the Health Secretary has announced it’s looking into lowering the age recommendation following the Olympic champion’s ‘powerful argument’ for change.
Sir Chris – who retired from cycling in 2013 but is still on his bike every day – is being supported by his wife Sarra, and children Callum, 10, and Chloe, seven. He has credited Sarra for getting him through his dark times, while she in turn has called him a ‘my real-life superhero.’
Chris has also said of his diagnosis, ‘I know what the end result will be. Nobody lives forever. Our time on this planet is finite. Don't waste your time worrying about stuff that isn't that important. Focus on the things that are important, focus on your family, the people in your life. Do that thing that you've always planned to do one day, why not do it today?
‘My perspective on life has changed massively. I am more thankful, I'm more grateful for each day.’
