Six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy visited Glasgow ahead of his Tour De 4 cycling event to meet charity fundraisers supporting his drive to raise awareness of people living with stage four cancer.

Sir Chris met with namesake Chris Donnelly a financial accountant with ScottishPower, who lost his uncle Tam Donnelly to prostate cancer and is supporting his dad James Donnelly who is recovering after surgery at University Hospital, Hairmyres for prostate cancer in July.

The 33-year-old dad of one is part of the ScottishPower 12-strong cycling team that will be taking part in Sir Chris’ inaugural Tour de 4 taking place in Glasgow next Sunday (7th September).

The two Chris’ met at an event at ScottishPower’s headquarters that saw the sporting legend talk to over 300 members of staff about his drive to challenge perceptions around living with stage four cancer whilst raising vital funds for cancer charities across the UK.

ScottishPower is a long-standing supporter of Cancer Research UK (CRUK), having raised over £40million from a number of staff and customer initiatives including its sponsorship of the Race for Life event series. It recently confirmed it would be backing Tour De 4 as an Official Partner.

Sir Chris Hoy said: “Tour de 4’s aim is to raise a million pounds for cancer charities across the UK, but I think it’s equally important to challenge perceptions of what stage four cancer diagnosis can look like.

“There will be people riding on the day who will have stage four cancer, like myself, who if you saw them, you wouldn't necessarily know they have a terminal diagnosis. I want to show that there are people like me who are living life, keeping active and not letting every day be about cancer.

“It’s been great to chat with a fellow Chris here today and listen to his family story, and to hear how, like mine, they’re pulling together, not just to support each other but to fundraise to help others too.

“Research and support is vital to help those living with cancer live longer and in some cases, live better and I’m delighted ScottishPower are invested in my vision to help raise awareness  and vital funds whilst building a very special community through an event I hope will run for many years to come. I’m looking forward to seeing him and the team at the starting line."

Chris Donnelly said: “I have huge admiration for everything Sir Chris Hoy is doing to support those affected by cancer and it’s been really valuable to hear his insights on how to prepare for Tour de 4.

“I’m proud to be taking part in the challenge with the ScottishPower team as this feels close to home and the people I love. I’m proud of how my dad has taken on everything cancer has thrown at him. He’s doing well now and slowly but surely recovering.”

Chris Donnelly, a busy dad to his daughter Rosa who celebrates her first birthday next month, finds cycling is a powerful way to reset after a long day.

He added: “I really enjoy getting out in the open air and the beautiful Scottish countryside. By being active, it’s a chance to switch off and hopefully help make a difference by raising funds for life-saving research too.”

Andrew Ward, CEO ScottishPower’s Customer Business, said: “It’s both humbling and inspiring to hear Sir Chris Hoy talk to our team about his diagnosis and his drive to raise as much awareness and funds as possible through Tour de 4. At ScottishPower, we’ve worked alongside Cancer Research UK for over a decade, helping raise more than £40 million to help power their vital life-saving research.

“Backing this remarkable challenge builds on our long-standing commitment to help raise awareness and vital funds in the fight against cancer, and we share the drive and determination of Sir Chris in supporting those who are affected by cancer.”

Michelle Mitchell, CEO Cancer Research UK, added: “We’re incredibly proud to stand alongside Sir Chris Hoy and ScottishPower in supporting Tour de 4. This inspiring event raises vital funds for cancer research and shines a light on the realities of living with stage 4 cancer. Sir Chris’ courage and determination are helping to change perceptions and build a powerful community of support. Every mile cycled and every pound raised brings us closer to a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. We’re deeply grateful to everyone taking part and to ScottishPower for their continued commitment to our life-saving work."

Around 5,000 people are expected to take part in the Tour de 4 event next Sunday across four rides starting and finishing at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow, - a 92km road ride, a 60km option, a 1km family loop in the velodrome grounds and a static bike ride in the centre of the velodrome.

Participants are encouraged to raise money for the cancer charity that means the most to them, including ScottishPower’s long-standing partner Cancer Research UK. 

ScottishPower employees will be taking part to help raise vital funds while others will show their support by volunteering at the event with special merchandise and fun activities for all ages to enjoy at their marquee in the festival event village.

The ever-popular ScottishPower Pipe Band will be on hand to keep participants and supporters entertained throughout the day and the green energy company has also given every participant a reusable water bottle to use while training, at the event itself and beyond.

The leading renewable energy company, its customers and employees have supported Cancer Research UK since 2012 - helping the charity to realise its vision to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

Through a wide range of fundraising initiatives, it has been a key supporter of the charity’s pioneering research and has raised over £40 million for life-saving cancer research over the last decade.