Sir Chris Hoy candidly opens up on ‘death sentence' cancer diagnosis and vows to prove ‘life goes on'

Scottish Sun

18 hours ago

The Brit Olympic icon plans to raise £1million for UK cancer charities later this year
'ROCKED MY WORLD' Sir Chris Hoy candidly opens up on 'death sentence' cancer diagnosis and vows to prove 'life goes on'
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SIR CHRIS HOY vowed to prove "life goes on" for cancer sufferers before his return to race car driving.
The British Olympic legend revealed last October that he'd been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer the previous year.
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British Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy was diagnosed in 2023
Credit: PA
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The 49-year-old was given between two to four years to live
Credit: GETTY
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The cycling legend is living life to its fullest, so much so that he recently returned to the race car world
Credit: INSTAGRAM@CHRISHOY1
The six-time gold medallist's diagnosis was a terminal one and doctors gave the Scot between two to four years to live.
Hoy, 49, is determined to live every day to its fullest, so much so that he decided to give race car driving a go again.
The Scot took part in the Dark Horse Stars class of the Mustang Challenge, which is on the bill of the famous Le Mans 24, this weekend.
And Hoy, who raced in the full Le Mans in 2016, hopes him living out his final days doing what he loves will inspire other cancer sufferers to do the same.
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He told TNT Sports: "I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer almost two years ago now, and it shocked me, it rocked my world.
"It changed everything in one sentence, you're told that's not curable, but it's treatable.
"So suddenly, you have this death sentence, and it's terrifying, but I'm here to show that life goes on for many people in that situation."
After completing the race, a delighted Hoy took to Instagram to write: "What a few days at LeMans.
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Sir Chris Hoy is determined to show fellow cancer sufferers that life goes on
Credit: X@TNTSPORTS
"After my cancer diagnosis 20 months ago I never imagined I'd be back racing here again, so when the opportunity arose courtesy of Ford performance and Jay Ward to take part in the Mustang Challenge Invitational I grabbed it with both hands.
"The circuit de la sarthe is a special place and the magic never fades, it really is a privilege to drive on this historic track.
Fans 'in floods of tears' as Sir Chris Hoy gives rousing speech at BBC SPOTY despite brave cancer battle
"As my team mate for the week, Chris Harris said, you never turn down the chance to drive at LeMans.
"Speaking of Chris Harris, it was a blast to hang out, talk cars and learn from him.
"What a job he did in Race 2, P12 from 31st on the grid, making 11 places in lap one amidst the carnage and bringing the Tour de 4 liveried #77 home in style!
"I managed P20 from the same grid position in race 1, very happy to have had some awesome battles throughout the 45-minute race and get a proper hit out after frustrations in qualifying.
I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer almost two years ago now, and it shocked me, it rocked my world."
Sir Chris Hoy
"Massive thanks to Academy Motorsport team for all their hard work and support, what a great bunch they are.
"And finally, best of luck to all the drivers in the 24 heures du mans, I wish you a safe and successful race."
Hoy will attempt to raise £1million for UK cancer charities with a charity bike ride in September.
He said: "The bike ride is to try and get as many people together as possible.
"Not just people suffering with cancer but anybody.
"To show we can keep on living, make the most of every day and live in the present, because that's all any of us have."