Monday 08 September 2025
The event, led by British cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy, saw over 5000 riders cycle take to the streets of Glasgow and surrounding countryside, many of whom have cancer themselves.
After Sir Chris Hoy went public with his stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis last year, the impact has been astonishing. Searches for prostate cancer soared, as did visits to the NHS website about prostate cancer.
Using his platform to continue to make a difference, Sir Chris launched the Tour de 4 - a cycling event for all to raise funds for cancer charities and dispel some of the myths about stage 4 cancer.
Four different distance options were available, enabling people of all ages and abilities to get involved. This included 56-mile and 37-mile routes, a 1km family-friendly loop, and static bikes inside the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome for those unable to cycle on the road.
The event, with its name inspired by the Tour de France challenge and Chris's stage 4 diagnosis, was led by many British sporting legends including Sir Chris Hoy himself, who as a 6-time Olympic cycling gold medallist is one of Britain's most decorated athletes.
He was joined by fellow cyclists Sir Mark Cavendish and Sir Jason Kenny, cyclist and swimmer Dame Sarah Storey, tennis star Sir Andy Murray and swimmers Rebecca Adlington OBE and Duncan Scott.
Joining the 200-strong team of riders fundraising for Maggie's were Colin Calder, 64, from Auchterarder and his wife, Di.
For Colin, who received an almost identical prostate cancer diagnosis to Sir Chris, the challenge was personal, and a way for him and Di to give back to the Maggie's centre in Dundee.
This wasn't the first time the duo have taken on an ambitious cycling challenge for charity. After completing - 115-miles - the first leg of the Tour de France in one day, Colin commented:
“That was obviously a very tough challenge - but not nearly as tough as the personal challenge I am facing daily having been diagnosed with life-limiting stage 4 prostate cancer.
“But Maggie's has been a massive help to me along my cancer journey - offering invaluable peer group support, and easy access to sources of financial help.
“The aim of Tour de 4 is to to highlight that, however devastating a stage 4 cancer diagnosis is, it does not define the limits of what is possible.
“My unfathomable news came back at the end of October - just six days after Sir Chris Hoy went public with his diagnosis. My consultant actually used the phrase that my condition was "almost identical to Chris Hoy" - including the timescales.
“That news was clearly devastating for Di and I - coming out of the blue with zero symptoms. Life has been a real rollercoaster as we try to find a way through this new 'living with cancer'.”
The good news is that the ground-breaking drugs are working for now, and holding off the growth of the cancer for Colin.
Colin added: “It has not been an easy path to navigate - but Maggie's has been nothing short of wonderful in offering a reassuring helping hand every step of the way. Within weeks of my diagnosis – when I felt my life seemed to have ended - I was encouraged by the oncology staff to drop in to Maggie's within the grounds of Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
“No appointment is required to visit Maggie’s and a warm, understanding, caring reaction is assured.
“I have since been attending the wonderful weekly Men's Group every Monday morning. The testimony and the fellowship from the other men is amazing - it's like being part of a "Band of Brothers". It offers a no holds barred open discussion on all the similar issues that we all have with cancer - despite the group having many different forms and types of cancer.
“It has also been extremely useful to have chats there with two other men who also have prostate cancer - and it is reassuring that they are a year further on in their cancer journeys.
“The whole team at Maggie's Dundee are nothing short of truly inspirational. Apart from the Men's Group, the team has also helped me personally by providing easy access to Adult Disability Payments and a Blue Badge for our car.
“It was a no-brainer for me to fundraise for Maggie's Dundee, as it truly lives up to its mantra of being 'everyone's home of cancer care'.
“Sir Chris Hoy has firmly shone a spotlight on what a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis looks like. We are trying to follow in his footsteps to show that, while incredibly hard, it is possible to live well and lead a happy life alongside this devastating diagnosis.
“The vital funds we will hopefully raise will be a huge help to Maggie's in Dundee to assist in funding their operation.
“I know there is no cure for me, but with science moving so fast, I hope I can play a role in protecting our children and the next generation.
“Finally - if you are over 50 - go and get tested guys! It's a no-brainer and could save your life.”
Thanks to all our courageous cyclists, phenomenal fundraisers and generous donors, the event has raised over £200,000 for Maggie's so far, with more sponsorship and donations coming in.
We'd like to thank each and every one of you for getting involved and making a difference to the lives of people with cancer and their loved ones.
If you are interested in getting involved, explore our cycling events or sign up to our newsletter to find out more.
Whatever kind of cancer, whatever stage you're at, Maggie's is here with you.
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