Sir Chris Hoy's terminal cancer latest as wife also receives devastating news
Sir Chris Hoy has performed a unique role ahead of Scotland's Six Nations clash with Ireland at Murrayfield today (Sunday, February 9). In October, the six-time Olympic cycling champion announced he had a terminal diagnosis for prostate cancer after having been told in 2023 by doctors that he had two to four years to live.
A tumour was found in his shoulder and a second scan found primary cancer in his prostate, which had metastasised to his bones. After sharing his story, he has already prompted hundreds of thousands of men across the UK to check for prostate cancer.
Just days after announcing his own diagnosis, news emerged that his wife Sarra had also been diagnosed with an aggressive form of MS the year before. In an extract from his book, shared with the Times, Sir Chris wrote: "Another scan just before Christmas confirmed that Sarra had 'very active and aggressive' MS and needed urgent treatment.
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"It's the closest I've come to, like, you know, why me? Just, what? What's going on here? It didn't seem real. It was such a huge blow, when you're already reeling. You think nothing could possibly get worse. You literally feel like you're at rock bottom, and you find out, oh no, you've got further to fall. It was brutal."
Since the news emerged, Sir Chris has remained positive and has been telling his story in a bid to help others. His new venture Tour de 4 ride aims to alter the perception of those living with stage 4 cancer and raise funds for UK cancer charities. As part of that, there were emotional scenes as he delivered the match ball ahead of Sunday's match, and he will also drove a special car ahead of Scotland's team bus as it makes its way to Murrayfield. You can see the scene here.
Announcing the news, Scottish Rugby said in a statement: “Six-time Olympic Gold medallist and 11-times world champion Sir Chris Hoy will be back at Scottish Gas Murrayfield this Sunday delivering the match ball for the game against Ireland.
“Sir Chris Hoy will also be driving the Lead the Legends car, brought to you by Arnold Clark, at the front of the Scotland team bus arrival. Sir Chris has recently made public a terminal cancer diagnosis in an interview with the Sunday Times.
“Having recently shared his personal health news, Sir Chris has launched a charity fundraiser to help people who also have terminal cancer to see it is possible to live well and lead a happy life alongside receiving a devastating diagnosis," the statement continued. "Sir Chris’s new Tour de 4 ride, aims to help to change the perception of people living with stage 4 cancer, while also raising vital funds for UK cancer charities.
“He is also a proud supporter of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Doddie Aid and on Sunday, the match ball he will deliver is being transported from Dublin by the champion of Doddie Aid, former Scotland captain and Doddie’s team-mate, Rob Wainwright."
Scotland co-captain Rory Darge expects Hoy's presence at Murrayfield to inspire his side ahead against the showdown with Ireland.
Back-rower Darge is anticipating "a special moment" when one of Scotland's sporting greats - Edinburgh born and bred - is welcomed by the Murrayfield crowd before kick-off.
Darge said: "He's obviously a massive inspiration, from his sporting achievements in cycling, but obviously what he's going through personally is really inspiring, so I'm sure he'll get a good reception at Murrayfield tomorrow, and it'll be a special moment and a good start to the game, hopefully.
"I'm sure the Murrayfield crowd will get behind that, and make it an even more special moment, and that energy will hopefully be something that we can feed off as players and put into the performance."
The Tour de 4 ride, which will begin and end at the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome in Glasgow on September 7, will help change the perception of people living with stage 4 cancer, while also raising vital funds for UK cancer charities.
Up to 5,000 places will be available for the Tour de 4, which can be ridden over a 92km route or a shorter 60km option. There will also be a family-friendly 1km route and static bikes within the velodrome for those who are not able to take part in the road event.
Announcing that registration for the Tour de 4 opens on February 28, Sir Chris said: "It's really important for me to shine a spotlight on what a stage 4 cancer diagnosis can look like and demonstrate that it is possible to live well and lead a happy life alongside this devastating diagnosis."
Sir Chris said he was "excited about the potential of this event," adding: "I have been blown away by the support I've received since sharing my own cancer diagnosis and I want to personally thank each and every person who has got in touch.
"We have also had hundreds and hundreds of people reach out to share their own stories and so many wanting to take part in Tour de 4 or donate or help in other ways."
Since receiving his own diagnosis, Sir Chris' dream has been to get as many people as possible living with stage 4 cancer, as well as their friends and families, to participate to whatever extent they can manage to raise money for the cancer charities that mean the most to them.
Online fitness platform Zwift has joined Tour de 4 as a founding partner and it will hold rides on the site until August 2025. Zwift is also set to match any charitable donations made by the community up to £50,000.
Sir Mark Cavendish, who has won a record 35 Tour de France stages, and eight-time Olympic swimming medallist Duncan Scott joined Sir Chris as the first Tour de 4 ride yesterday as part of the build up to today's game.
After Sir Chris announced the shattering news last year, the couple and their two children left the country to take some time away from the media spotlight. In the days after the public announcement, Sarra posted on Instagram to say thank you to all the well wishers who had been in touch.
"Completely overwhelmed by your kind, thoughtful and helpful messages," she wrote, adding that while many were unsure of what to say, simply reaching out was already bringing her and her family comfort. "Many people say they don't know what to say - that's OK, you don't need to have the words - just taking the time to message has been like a soothing balm to the soul," she said. "Thank you.
"I've been told that men seeking advice about prostate cancer is up seven fold and that Chris's story is likely to save countless lives. This takes my breath away.
"Life is wonderful. We are excited about the future. We have so many more adventures planned.... And I am so fortunate to get to do it all with @chrishoy1 - the most incredible person I've ever met."
