I’m taking part in Tour de 4 2026, the cycling event launched by Sir Chris Hoy following his Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. It brings together people living with Stage 4 cancer, alongside friends, families and supporters, to ride side by side and raise vital funds.

The event is about showing that a diagnosis does not define a person and highlighting what life with Stage 4 cancer can look like: strength, resilience and determination.

I have been living with stage 4 bowel cancer for three years. Although some parts of the system can make you feel written off after a stage 4 diagnosis, I’ve been fortunate to have an excellent oncologist advocating for me. With that support, I’ve undergone major surgery, radiotherapy, and more than 50 cycles of chemotherapy using four different treatment combinations — and I’m still here.

I’ll be riding as part of a team of four: my wife, Jan, and two keen cyclist friends from our village, Linda and John. I was outvoted on the team’s name “I’m Not Dead Yet” (a Monty Python quote), so we adapted the idea into “Don’t Ride Me Off.”

I’ve chosen to raise funds for the local hospice that has been supporting me. Contacting them was a big step, because of the association with end-of-life care, but it has proved to be a very positive decision. They have helped me manage pain and nausea, and they always make time for honest conversations, including the difficult topics, with great care and compassion.

All funds raised will go to charities supporting people affected by Stage 4 cancer. If you’re able to donate or share, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every contribution helps provide vital support and care.