In his memoir, All That Matters, British cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy candidly shares the profound challenges he and his family have faced. In September 2023, Hoy was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer after experiencing severe shoulder pain, initially attributed to gym injuries. Medical examinations revealed tumors in his shoulder, hip, and spine, leading doctors to estimate a life expectancy of two to four years.
Amid processing his own diagnosis, Hoy’s wife, Sarra, began experiencing a tingling sensation in her face and tongue. A routine MRI scan in November 2023 led to a diagnosis of a “very active and aggressive” form of multiple sclerosis (MS). Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Sarra withheld her diagnosis from Chris for over a month to avoid adding to his burden during his cancer treatment.
Despite these overwhelming circumstances, the couple maintains a positive outlook. Sarra often reflects on their situation, saying, “How lucky are we? We both have incurable illnesses for which there is some treatment. Not every disease has that. It could be a lot worse.”
Married in Edinburgh in 2010, Chris and Sarra are devoted parents to their son, Callum, and daughter, Chloe. Their shared journey through these health challenges underscores their deep bond and mutual support. Chris continues to engage with the public, aiming to raise awareness about prostate cancer and the importance of early detection. He advocates for lowering the age for NHS prostate cancer screening, suggesting that earlier screening could save millions of lives.
Through their story, the Hoys exemplify resilience and the power of a supportive partnership in navigating life’s most daunting trials.