Sir Chris Hoy: "I’m Lucky" to be Making a Difference After Terminal Cancer Diagnosis
Sir Chris Hoy, the former Olympic cyclist, has spoken about his terminal cancer diagnosis and his determination to make the most of the time he has left. In an interview with The Times, Hoy, 49, discussed his prognosis and how he has been working to raise awareness about prostate cancer.
When we speak, Hoy has just completed a long bike ride in Greece and has another one planned for later that day. Despite his terminal diagnosis, he talks like a professional sportsman, saying: "I’m competitive with myself, so it’s all about trying to be better than I was yesterday, and that’s the drive that pushes me on." Hoy is taking medication that suppresses his energy and aerobic capacity, but he is determined to make the most of his situation.
Hoy revealed his terminal diagnosis in October, along with the news that his wife, Sarra, 45, had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Despite the challenges they are facing, Hoy said he feels "lucky" because he has already made a difference in the lives of others. He has partnered with the charity Prostate Cancer UK to provide an online risk-checker, which has been used by over 180,000 men. More than 1,000 of those men have subsequently sought a PSA test, which revealed they had prostate cancer.
The NHS doesn’t routinely screen men under 50, and PSA testing is imperfect. However, Hoy believes that men should be more proactive in how they screen for prostate cancer. He said: "It isn’t 100 per cent accurate, but it’s the best we’ve got, and prostate is the most common cancer in England, so I believe we need to be more proactive in how we screen." Hoy had a family history of the disease, but no symptoms, and would not have gotten a PSA test if he had just gone to a regular GP.
Hoy’s speaking tour, An Evening With Chris Hoy, has been a sell-out success, with new dates added this month. His book, All That Matters, comes out in paperback on Thursday, for which he has written a new foreword. He is also leading cycle tours at a fitness retreat in Greece and presents the BBC’s cycling coverage.
Hoy and his wife, Sarra, will take part in Hoy’s Tour de 4 on September 7, a huge charity bike ride in Glasgow for 5,000 cyclists, many of whom are also living with stage 4 cancer. Hoy said: "I want to show people that their preconceptions – and my own preconceptions – of stage 4 are not what they thought. We’ll be proving to ourselves and to others that life doesn’t stop."
The event will feature static bikes inside the velodrome, so people who are not physically able can still be part of the day. Family and friends will have access to seats inside, so they can cheer on their loved ones. Stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment will perform on an outdoor stage.
For Hoy, cycling is no longer a job but a way of "punching back" against cancer. He said: "You’re not just lying back there and taking drugs and hoping they work, you’re getting up each day, you’re seizing the day, and you’re doing something that at the end of it you feel a sense of achievement." Hoy’s oncologist told him that regular exercise could extend his life by up to 50 per cent.
Hoy’s positive mindset has not always been easy to maintain, but he has learned to discipline his thoughts and focus on the present. He said: "You can hide it from other people, but of course there’s moments where you have these darker thoughts, and the boat will start to shake and rock, and things will get stormy. And in those moments, that’s when you have to grab on, and bring yourself back, to the foundations of your mindset."
As our conversation comes to a close, Hoy reflects on his mortality and the importance of appreciating life. He said: "I think it’s only when you’re given a really serious diagnosis that you’re truly confronted by your mortality. It’s something that I wouldn’t wish on anybody, but if you can get through it, then I think it unlocks a different level of appreciation of life." All That Matters, by Sir Chris Hoy, is published in paperback, ebook and audio on June 5 (Hodder, £8.99).
Hoy’s story is one of courage and resilience in the face of adversity. His determination to make a difference and raise awareness about prostate cancer is an inspiration to us all. As he said: "I’m lucky because I have a platform." We are grateful for his willingness to share his story with us.
The Tour de 4 charity bike ride is a celebration of life and a testament to Hoy’s determination to make the most of his time. With 5,000 cyclists taking part, it promises to be an unforgettable event.
Hoy’s legacy extends far beyond his cycling career. He is a true champion and an inspiration to us all. His story is a reminder that life is precious and that every moment counts.
In conclusion, Sir Chris Hoy’s story is one of hope and resilience. Despite his terminal diagnosis, he remains determined to make a difference and live life to the fullest. His charity bike ride, Tour de 4, is a celebration of life and a testament to his courage and determination.
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