Sir Chris Hoy ‘blown away’ by public’s response to terminal cancer diagnosis

Credit: chrishoy1/Instagram

Sir Chris Hoy has urged people to live for the present in his first message since revealing that he has terminal cancer, and says that he has been “blown away” by the public’s support.

In a video on Instagram, Hoy also admitted that he lost hope following the diagnosis last year but that he is now determined to turn his situation into something that can positively help other people.

“I am so grateful to everyone for their incredible kindness and support,” said the six-time Olympic champion. “I’ve been utterly blown by the love and support that we’ve received. It’s not the news anyone imagines hearing and it obviously came as a huge shock. We have taken time to process it as a family.

“I now have a deep resolve to turn this incredibly difficult diagnosis into something more positive that can help not just me but anyone anywhere living with stage four [cancer].”

Massive upsurge in men seeking cancer advice

Hoy has been writing a book that will be released next month and said that he had been hugely comforted in recent days to hear that there has been a massive upsurge in men seeking advice about prostate cancer.

“Amidst it all, I’ve made the decision to write it all in a book,” said Hoy, who is 48. “It’s been cathartic and it’s a very important part of how I’ve been able to process this news with my family.

“I wanted to share this in the hope that it might help others in challenging situations too. The book is called All That Matters and I hope it can provide not only an insight into how a family deals with a diagnosis like mine but also remind us that all we have is now, not the past, not the future, but where we are in this moment.

“It’s about hope, how I lost it after the diagnosis and how I found it again. I’m really proud of it and I hope it can help anyone facing any sort of challenge in their life, not just cancer.”

Wife hails Hoy as ‘real-life superhero’

Hoy’s wife, Sarra, has described him as a “real-life superhero” and said he was likely to save “countless lives” by revealing that he had been told by doctors that he has between two and four years to live. It was also disclosed last weekend that Sarra has an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis.

In her first public comments since the announcements, Sarra said that they were determined to enjoy the time they have left together. “Completely overwhelmed by your kind, thoughtful and helpful messages,” she said on Instagram.

“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. 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 Chris Hoy – the most incredible person I’ve ever met.”

Sarra, who married Sir Chris in 2010, also praised her husband for fulfilling his presenting duties at the World Track Cycling Championships in Copenhagen after his diagnosis became public.

“Watching him on the BBC at the weekend was like watching a masterclass in strength of character, dignity and humility,” she said.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – he truly is my real-life superhero.” The couple are currently on a family holiday with their two children Callum and Chloe, who are aged 10 and seven.

Sir Chris has been diagnosed with primary cancer in his prostate, which had spread to his bones. He had revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with cancer, but he had not previously disclosed the type of cancer.

Hoy first won gold at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and went on to secure three more gold medals four years later at Beijing. He won two further golds at London 2012, before retiring from cycling in 2013.