Donald and Iain Jarvie join Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4 to raise funds and promote early detection of prostate cancer
Category: Health
A pair of Glasgow brothers, Donald and Iain Jarvie, are gearing up to participate in Chris Hoy's charity cycling event, the Tour de 4, on September 6, 2026, to honor their late father, John Jarvie, who succumbed to prostate cancer. The brothers, aged 40 and 43, respectively, are set to ride 90 kilometers alongside their lifelong friend, Peter Hall, in a bid to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer research.
John Jarvie was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2022 but chose to keep his illness a secret during the Christmas season to allow his family to enjoy the holiday together. He passed away at St Andrews Hospice in Airdrie in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of strength and resilience that his sons aim to emulate through their cycling challenge.
Donald and Iain were inspired to take on this challenge after watching Chris Hoy's BBC documentary detailing the cycling champion's own battle with stage 4 prostate cancer. John Jarvie, who had a passion for cycling, had previously completed a remarkable 190-kilometer trip from Airdrie to Drummore as a teenager, which motivated his sons to push through their own 90-kilometer ride. "Dad managed 190 kilometers. We're only doing 90 kilometers. So, if we're struggling, we're pretty sure he'd tell us to stop moaning and get on with it," the brothers shared in their GoFundMe campaign.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK and the US, with the highest risk group being men over 50. Risk factors include a family history of the disease, age, and ethnicity, particularly affecting black men with African heritage at a rate of one in four, compared to one in eight for white men. Awareness initiatives, like the Tour de 4, aim to educate men about the importance of early detection and screening.
Donald Jarvie expressed his belief in the necessity of raising awareness about prostate cancer, especially after witnessing the challenges his father faced. "There needs to be more awareness of how common it is and what to look for. My dad didn't have any of the traditional symptoms. Myself and my brother are now classed higher risk, so definitely when I'm older I'm going to be asking for that test," he said. He emphasized the emotional and mental challenges faced by families dealing with cancer, stating, "It's super important having people to talk to and trust." Donald is both excited and nervous about the upcoming ride, which will start and finish at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow.
Meanwhile, another participant in the Tour de 4, Daren Humphrey from Bewdley, is also taking on the challenge to raise awareness, but for bowel cancer. Diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in February 2025, Humphrey described his diagnosis as a "complete surprise" due to a lack of symptoms. He was shocked to learn that the cancer had spread to his liver and lungs.
"I've always been pretty active, I've got a reasonable diet and I did the NHS screening test, which I would absolutely encourage everyone to do. I didn't really have any symptoms. I'd say there were quite minor ones late on, but I thought they were more like IBS symptoms than bowel cancer," Humphrey explained.
Having undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, Humphrey continues to maintain an active lifestyle, participating in CrossFit and mountain biking. He, alongside his 21-year-old son Henry and friends Nick Smith and Simon Gates, will take on a 38-mile ride as part of the Tour de 4. The team has already raised over £11,500 for Bowel Cancer UK, highlighting the importance of awareness for this often-overlooked disease.
Humphrey aims to challenge the perception that bowel cancer primarily affects older individuals, stating, "I think people associate bowel cancer with older people, but I want to help raise awareness that cancer is affecting more people at a younger age. It is so important to know the symptoms of the more common types of cancer and not to wait around if you have any concerns or even minor symptoms." His commitment to raising awareness is fueled by his desire to show others that life can continue even after a stage 4 cancer diagnosis.
The Tour de 4 event, taking place in Glasgow, is not just a cycling challenge but a platform for raising awareness about various cancers, including prostate and bowel cancer. Both the Jarvie brothers and Daren Humphrey are using their participation to highlight the importance of early detection and encourage others to seek medical advice without delay.
As the cycling event approaches, the brothers are preparing for the physical challenge ahead, with Donald noting, "I am both excited and nervous for the big ride next Sunday." The ride will commence at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, a fitting venue for an event named after a cycling champion who has become a prominent advocate for cancer awareness.
In addition to the personal stories of the participants, the Tour de 4 serves as a reminder of the collective effort needed to combat cancer. The event aims to raise funds and to educate the public about the risks associated with prostate and bowel cancer. As both teams gear up for the ride, they hope to inspire others to join the fight against cancer and advocate for regular screenings and awareness.
On September 6, as the Jarvie brothers and their team take to the roads of Glasgow, they will carry with them the memory of their father and the mission to spread awareness about prostate cancer, proving that even in loss, there is a powerful drive to make a difference.