On Saturday 28 June 2025, along with my husband Colin, Team eMatilda in Tandem is taking part in the Grand Départ Classic - and cycling the full first stage of the 2025 Tour de France from Lille, in support of Prostate Cancer UK.

At 115 miles it will be our longest ever tandem ride, and a tough challenge. But not nearly as tough as the personal challenge Colin is currently facing after being diagnosed with life-limiting Stage 4 Prostate Cancer.

Towards the end of last year the bottom fell out of our world after he went to the doctors with what seemed like a fairly straightforward mild urinary infection. A PSA test was taken as a precaution as part of a series of tests. It should be less than 4; Colin's was 282!

After being fast-tracked for a rapid series of scans and biopsies by our wonderful NHS, we received the unfathomable news that Colin had Stage 4 Prostate Cancer. Within 90 seconds of walking into an appointment with his oncology consultant his life - indeed our amazing life together - was lying on the floor as the horrific life limiting diagnosis was issued.

That came just days after 6-time Olympic gold medal cyclist Sir Chris Hoy went public with his terminal diagnosis. Our consultant actually used the phrase that Colin's condition was "almost identical to Chris Hoy" - including the projected timescales.

As you can imagine this news has been devastating for us both - particularly as it came completely out of the blue. Life has been a real rollercoaster since then as we face this new "living with cancer". This includes the endless medical appointments, blood tests, and coming to terms with the side effects of the brutal hormone therapy regime of monthly injections and daily tablets to hold off growth of the cancer. The good news, however, is that it all seems to be working - at this stage.

And the medics have emphasised the crucial importance of our tandem cycling rides - as part of a regular exercise regime - to help maintain bone strength and muscle mass. So taking part in the Grand Depart Classic is clearly a win-win event for Team eMatilda.

Team eMatilda at the spot of their 2022 beach wedding on Millport.

Talking of cycling - albeit at a somewhat different level! - we have found Chris Hoy's book - "All that Matters" a great help due to the similarities. In fact it almost could have been written about Colin's prostate cancer journey so far. It has also been humbling and at the same time inspirational in the positivity the book engenders. And the fact that Chris is a year ahead of Colin in his cancer journey offers hope.

He has firmly shone a spotlight on what a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis looks like. We are trying to follow in his footsteps to show that (while incredibly hard) it is possible to live well and lead a happy life alongside this devastating diagnosis.

In conclusion Colin paraphrases Chris Hoy: "Team eMatilda is tandem cycling the Grand Depart Classic 2025 to play a small role in helping raise awareness of living with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer.

"The vital funds we will hopefully raise will help support the research that is being done to tackle this shocking pandemic head on. Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men in the UK.

"But it doesn't have to be this way. Prostate Cancer UK has a simple ambition - to stop men dying from prostate cancer. The fundraising will help fund lifesaving research into better tests and treatments to help men live long and live well.

"And - if you are over 50 - go and get tested guys! It's a no brainer and could save your life. In the words of our new theme song - from our favourite male singer Paul Carrack - 'Don't wait too long'."

Thank you for taking the time to read our story, and thank you for donating.

And F##K CANCER!! 🙏

Diane and Colin x