Glasgow brothers join Chris Hoy Tour de 4 after losing their dad
Donald and Iain Jarvie, two Glasgow brothers who lost their father John to stage 4 prostate cancer in 2023, will cycle 90km in Sir Chris Hoy's Tour de 4 charity ride on Sunday, 6 September 2026. Inspired by Hoy's BBC documentary and their dad's lifelong love of cycling, Team Jarvie aims to raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.
The Jarvie brothers grew up in Airdrie and now live in Glasgow. They will be joined by lifelong friend Peter Hall for the event, which starts and finishes at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. Their GoFundMe campaign supports research into a disease their father battled quietly until his death at St Andrews Hospice in Airdrie.
Key Takeaways
- Donald, 40, and Iain, 43, are cycling 90km in memory of their dad John, who died from stage 4 prostate cancer in 2023.
- They were inspired by Sir Chris Hoy's BBC documentary about his own stage 4 prostate cancer journey.
- John Jarvie kept his 2022 diagnosis secret over Christmas so the family could enjoy the holiday together.
- The brothers and friend Peter Hall form Team Jarvie, fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK via GoFundMe.
- Donald urges greater awareness of prostate cancer symptoms, noting his father showed none of the traditional signs.
Why are the Jarvie brothers taking on the Chris Hoy challenge?
Donald and Iain decided to ride after watching Chris Hoy's BBC documentary about his own experience with stage 4 prostate cancer. Hoy has become a high-profile advocate for awareness since his diagnosis, and his Tour de 4 event has drawn participants across the UK.
Cycling also held deep meaning for their father. As a teenager, John completed an ambitious 190km ride from Airdrie to Drummore. On their GoFundMe page, the brothers wrote: Dad managed 190km. We are only doing 90km. So, if we are struggling, we are pretty sure he would tell us to stop moaning and get on with it.
Who was John Jarvie, and how did prostate cancer affect the family?
John Jarvie was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer in 2022. He chose not to tell his family until after Christmas so they could enjoy the holiday without worry. He died the following year at St Andrews Hospice in Airdrie.
Donald and Iain describe their father as determined, quietly tough, and never one to make a fuss. He was active in the Airdrie community through the Rotary Club, his church, and sports including bowls and curling. Donald told Glasgow Live his dad would be super proud to see his sons take on the Tour de 4 in his memory.
After witnessing their father's illness, both brothers are now classified as higher risk. Donald said he plans to request screening when he is older and believes talking openly about the disease is essential for families facing similar journeys.
When and where is Chris Hoy's Tour de 4 happening?
The Jarvie brothers' 90km ride takes place on Sunday, 6 September 2026, starting and finishing at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow. Donald said he feels both excited and nervous, while Iain may feel more confident after completing long-haul cycles in the past.
The broader Tour de 4 initiative has attracted riders nationwide. A Bewdley man, Daren Humphrey, is among others taking part in 2026 to raise awareness after his own stage 4 bowel cancer diagnosis, highlighting how Hoy's campaign has inspired fundraisers across multiple cancer causes.
How can readers support prostate cancer awareness?
Donald Jarvie urges people not to be afraid to discuss prostate cancer and to seek support during treatment. He noted the disease affects not only patients but also families facing mental and emotional challenges.
Full details of prostate cancer signs and symptoms are available on the NHS website. Readers can donate to the brothers' GoFundMe campaign, and follow similar charity and awareness stories in our Fintech and Crypto Alerts section.