Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy resolves to turn terminal cancer into 'something positive'

Sir Chris Hoy has said he has resolved to turn his terminal cancer diagnosis into “something more positive”.

The six-time Olympic champion, who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in February, revealed on Sunday that his cancer is terminal, and that he has between two and four years to live.

In a video posted to his Instagram followers on Thursday, Hoy said he had been hugely comforted to find out there was a substantial increase in men seeing advice on prostate cancer.

“I now have a deep resolve to turn this incredibly difficult diagnosis into something more positive,” he said.

“I understand that there has been a massive increase in men seeking advice in prostate cancer in the last few days and that’s been a huge comfort to us to know that hopefully many lives could be saved by early testing.”

Professor Alan McNeill founded the charity Prostate Scotland 18 years ago after his wife’s father and grandfather both died with the disease.

He said Sir Chris, a six times Olympic gold medal winner, would “undoubtedly” have an impact by speaking out.

The Olympian also revealed that he has written a book titled All That Matters, which will be released in November, which charts his journey with the illness and the story of his life since retiring from professional cycling in 2013.

He described the writing experience as “cathartic”, and said that he hopes the book can provide understanding around how families deal with a terminal diagnosis.

Sir Chris won six Olympic golds between 2004 and 2012 – the second highest total by any British Olympian behind Sir Jason Kenny’s tally of seven.

The news of Sir Chris’ diagnoses was followed by wife Sarra being diagnosed with “very active and aggressive” multiple sclerosis.

The couple have two children, Callum and Chloe.

She also took to social media, where she revealed that she was “completely overwhelmed” by the support she and her family had received.

“I’ve been told that Chris’ story is likely to save countless lives and this takes my breath away,” she said.

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

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – he truly is my real life superhero.”