Dermot Murnaghan says he's following Chris Hoy's example after shock cancer diagnosis

Newsreader Dermot Murnaghan has said that he's following Sir Chris Hoy's example after his own cancer diagnosis. The former BBC presenter mentioned the cyclist whilst sharing the "personal news" on social media earlier today.

Dermot, 67, announced on X this morning that he has been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer. The former Sky News host told his followers that he's "responding positively" to treatment. He's encouraged other men to get tested themselves, with him saying that "early detection is crucial".

He later revealed that he's now planning to take part in the cycling event Tour de 4, which has been organised to raise awareness and funds for cancer charities, later this year. It's been set up by Chris, 49, who announced last year that he had been diagnosed with cancer himself in 2023.

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Dermot said he's "aiming to take part" in the fundraising bike ride, which is scheduled to be held in Glasgow on September 7. Whilst writing about the event in Scotland, he added: "Please support it and join us if you can."

He subsequently mentioned Olympic gold medalist Chris when reacting to a response that he received over the news of his diagnosis. He was replying to his former colleague Thomas Newton, who works on Sky News.

Thomas wrote on the platform: "Really sorry to hear that, Dermot. But of course, true to form, jumping straight on the bike. love that. Hope the ride goes well." Dermot responded: "Ha! I can't take this lying down - I'm following @chrishoy's example (albeit at a hugely slower pace) Thanks Thomas."

Chris announced his cancer diagnosis last year. He has since raised awareness of prostate cancer and, months after sharing the initial news, it was later announced that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

He's since announced Tour de 4, with it hoped that those affected by cancer will come together for the inaugural event, centred around the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome, later this year. It's said to have a fundraising target of £1 million.

Chris has spoken about cycling and "living life" following his diagnosis. He told Sky Sports last month: "I've entered a bit of a stability stage at the moment. I'm feeling good, exercising, riding the bike, busy and most importantly cancer is not the first thing I think about in the morning when I wake up and it's not the last thing I think about when I go to bed at night."

Announcing his diagnosis this morning, Dermot wrote in a thread on X: "Some personal news……I've been diagnosed with Stage IV advanced prostate cancer I'm fortunate to have a simply outstanding medical team looking after me, who I can't thank enough - they are administering the best possible care with expertise, compassion and sensitivity."

He continued in the message on the platform earlier: "I'm responding positively to their excellent treatment, and feeling well. I'm blessed to be fortified by the monumental love and support of my wife, family and close friends."

Dermot said: "Needless to say my message to all men over 50, in high risk groups, or displaying symptoms, is get yourself tested and campaign for routine prostate screening by the NHS." He added: "Early detection is crucial. And be aware, this disease can sometimes progress rapidly without obvious symptoms. Details @ProstateUK @PCR_News."

He continued: "I'm aiming to take part in Sir Chris Hoy's fund raising charity bike ride [Tour de 4] in Glasgow in September - please support it and join us if you can." He concluded his message by writing: "Take care everyone, Dermot."

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000. If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Macmillan Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer UK.

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