Hoy reveals family's cancer heartache

Published on Monday 11 May 2009 21:21

CYCLIST Sir Chris Hoy revealed his family's cancer heartache yesterday.

Speaking in his home city of Edinburgh as he prepared to take part in an event to raise money for research into cancer, the Olympic champion told how two of his grandparents died of leukaemia.

He was taking part in Turn the Tables, an annual fund-raising event for Cancer Research UK, which sees sports stars and journalists swap roles.

Sir Chris interviewed his biographer, sports journalist Richard Moore, for the event – held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh and hosted by comedian and television writer Andy Hamilton.

Sir Chris, 33, explained that the cause of cancer research was close to his heart.

"Like most people, my family has been touched by cancer," the cyclist said.

"My dad's parents both died of leukaemia and I have also lost friends to cancer, so I'm keen to support and help in any way I can."

The four-time Olympic gold medallist, who was knighted in the Queen's New Year Honours List, is poised to return to full training after overcoming a hip injury that forced him to miss the track cycling World Championships.

He said: "I've been off the bike completely for the last two months; it's been really frustrating."

However, he added that the time off had allowed him to take part in school visits and charity events, which he would not have been able to do under a full training regime.

But speaking of his return to full-time training, Sir Chris said: "Now it's time to kind of knuckle down and get back into the hard work."

He added: "The next few months are just going to be about getting back into training, getting back into shape and getting ready for the start of the season, which is at the end of the summer."