"Prepare Yourself": Sir Chris Hoy's Encouragement for Cancer Patients Prior to Charity Cycling Event

In a courageous move, retired champion track cyclist Sir Chris Hoy has announced his participation in a charity bike ride to raise funds and awareness for men affected by late-stage prostate cancer. The event, named the Tour de 4, will take place at his velodrome named after him in Glasgow on Sunday.

Sir Chris Hoy was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2023, and was told he had between two and four years left to live in 2024. He shared his diagnosis at a press conference at PureGym in Rutherglen, near Glasgow, where a fitness partnership was launched between PureGym, the Institute of Cancer Research, and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

The Tour de 4 offers three routes: a 92 km, a 60 km, and a one km family-friendly route, making it accessible to all abilities. The event aims to challenge perceptions and inspire hope for those affected by cancer.

The partnership provides access to training plans and other support for the participating men. Men with late-stage prostate cancer who are on hormone therapy may receive a free, one-year membership with PureGym. Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can come with a number of troublesome side effects, including fat gain, muscle loss, reduced bone density, fatigue, and mental health problems.

Christine Lote, who was diagnosed with a form of stage four bone cancer on her daughter's third birthday in 2022, has faced several hurdles due to her illness, including having her leg amputated. However, she remains cheerful and fit. Christine emphasizes the importance of seeking a second opinion if not feeling adequately cared for by the medical team. She also advises against relying on Dr Google for prognosis or timeframes, and encourages trust in the medical team.

Sir Chris Hoy expresses that dealing with his cancer diagnosis has been a moment-to-moment struggle. He encourages men with similar diagnoses to stay active to improve their quality of life. Exercise, he believes, can help alleviate the side effects of treatment.

The Tour de 4 event aims to raise £1 million and has already raised over £100,000. The organization that partnered with PureGym and the Institute of Cancer Research to support men with late-stage prostate cancer undergoing hormone therapy is The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

The Tour de 4 event is a testament to the power of community and the resilience of those affected by cancer. It serves as a reminder that with support, determination, and hope, anything is possible.