Cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy expressed being "totally overwhelmed" after his charity bike ride raised more than £2 million for cancer research. The Tour De 4 fundraising event brought together thousands of participants in Glasgow on Sunday.
The former Olympic champion, who has terminal prostate cancer, led riders alongside a host of sporting celebrities. Retired tennis star Andy Murray joined the event, with thousands of cyclists taking part in the ride that started and finished at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
Other notable participants included sailor Sir Ben Ainslie, swimmers Duncan Scott and Rebecca Adlington, and Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey. Fellow cycling champions Sir Mark Cavendish and Sir Jason Kenny also showed their support, alongside others battling stage four cancer.
Record-breaking fundraising success
The Sunday event raised a total of £2,135,406 for five cancer charities. The funds will be distributed among Breast Cancer Now, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Maggie's and Prostate Cancer UK.
Sir Chris said: "I am totally overwhelmed by today, the support we have received and the amazing people who came to Glasgow - it's incredible. When I first set out to create this event I plucked £1 million out of the air as it sounded like a pretty decent amount to raise! Today we have more than doubled that and I am so delighted."
He thanked all participants, stating: "Every single person who has ridden, fundraised or donated - this is down to you. Thank you."
Champion's cancer journey
Sir Chris was once Scotland's most successful Olympic athlete before retiring from competitive cycling. The sporting star received his stage four prostate cancer diagnosis in 2023.
GoFundMe reported "thousands of donations poured in" for the event. Senior vice president John Coventry said: "What we've seen in Glasgow is truly extraordinary - thousands of people coming together, led by Sir Chris Hoy, to raise vital funds for cancer charities that make such a difference in people's lives. At GoFundMe, we're proud to stand behind the people whose kindness and support made the Tour De 4's £2 million milestone possible."
Before the ride, Sir Chris shared an encouraging message for newly diagnosed cancer patients. He urged them to "hang on tight" and maintain positivity during their treatment journey.
At Saturday's press conference, he revealed his initial despair following diagnosis, admitting he thought he would never feel happiness again. However, he explained that with time, the disease becomes "just a part of your life" and patients "don't have to be defined by it."
Sir Chris told fellow cancer sufferers: "To anybody who is going through a similar thing, just hang on tight. You'll get through it, it'll get easier. It seems like the worst thing in the world right now, but you can, you can do it."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
