Sir Chris Hoy breaks silence on ‘huge shock’ of terminal cancer diagnosis

Sir Chris Hoy said his terminal cancer diagnosis came as a "huge shock" as he addressed fans directly for the first time since going public with the news. The Olympic cycling legend has tragically been given just two to four years to live.

The six-time gold medallist announced he was battling the disease in February, and was under going chemotherapy. The sporting hero, who was diagnosed with primary cancer in his prostate, revealed it was terminal and spreading to his bones during an interview with The Sunday Times at the weekend.

The 48-year-old said he'd been "utterly blown by the love and support" in a video shared on social media. Sir Chris said he'd also decided to write a tell-all book called All That Matters, which he was "really proud of" and hoped it would "help anyone facing any sort of challenge in their life", The Sun reports.

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Addressing fans in the video, he said: "Hi everyone, I just wanted to share an update about my health, after telling you that I was receiving treatment for cancer. I'm so grateful to everyone for their incredible kindness and support. You have heard by now that I'm ready to share that my cancer is stage 4: I will be living with it for the rest of my life.

"Now it's not the news anyone imagines hearing, and it obviously came as a huge shock. We've taken time to process it as a family and 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 4."

Sir Chris said it had been "a huge comfort" to known there'd been a huge increase in men seeking advice about prostate cancer in the last few days, and hoped "many lives could be saved by early testing". Sharing his book news, he said: "I'm talking to you know because amidst it all I've made the decision to write it all in a book. It's been cathartic and it's a very important part of how I've been able to process this news with my family and for myself over the past few months.

"I’m really proud of it and I hope it can help anyone facing any sort of challenge in their life, not just cancer. It’s also been a chance to spread the word about my charity event taking place next year called ‘Tour de 4’, I can’t wait to tell you more about this in due course.

"The book is coming out in November. To pre-order All That Matters, or for further information see the link in the bio. Thanks everyone." Sir Chris' shock health news comes as his wife, Sarra, was also diagnosed with incurable and degenerative Multiple Sclerosis, an autoimmune condition that attacks the brain and spinal chord.

Sarra also broke her own social media silence and said: "Completely overwhelmed by your kind, thoughtful and helpful messages. 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."