Review: All That Matters by Sir Chris Hoy

> Buy now: All That Matters for £6 from Amazon

It has been nearly three years since Sir Chris Hoy first revealed that he had cancer, and only a few months later he confirmed that it was terminal. Safe to say that it was a shock to many, especially those who (like me) might have thought that being extremely fit and healthy would improve your odds against such a diagnosis. It doesn’t, as it’s indiscriminate and merciless – although (as Hoy discovered) being fit does help considerably with the quality and speed of recovery.

As you might expect, Hoy hasn’t let such a thing stop him from carrying on with life pretty effectively, by continuing to ride his bike, performing commentating duties – and producing another book. By my reckoning, if you include his various books for children, he is well into double figures. I for one am glad that he decided to commit a decent chunk of his remaining time to writing All That Matters.

If you are someone who has enjoyed Hoy’s previous books then you will want to add this one to your collection; it is as well written and personal as his earlier efforts – good enough to win the autobiography category of the 2025 Sports Book of the Year. 

His previous books have been penned either by Hoy himself, or in conjunction with journalists. This one is written with Matt Majendie, with whom he participates in the Sporting Misadventures podcast. 

While most of the book covers ‘the cancer years’, the biographical element recaps Hoy’s Olympic journey, and then moves on to his venture into motorsports – which I don’t think has been covered in much detail before.

It’s been about a year since this book came out, but I am only just getting around to reviewing it. I then missed the opportunity of tying in with the paperback version being published in June, and even his Tour de 4 bike ride.

Why so? Well, until recently the few things that Sir Chris and I had in common included being born in Edinburgh and riding a bike. Unfortunately, I now have to add a stage 4 cancer to the list: prostate in his case, glioblastoma (brain tumour) in mine. Both are treatable but not curable (hence terminal), both unexpected, and (certainly in my case) they really don’t help with productivity.

However, I found the book to be so inspirational and of such practical use to me (and my wife) that I was determined to get the review out there eventually in order to help spread the message that Sir Chris is promoting. ‘In general cancer is thought of as a physical challenge [but] for me, the mental struggle has been the greatest shock.’ I agree, and now I appreciate why my local branch of the Macmillan charity were so keen to offer counselling and emotional support.

He writes that he wants to take the opportunity ‘to offer insight into how a family deals with a diagnosis like mine and hopefully inspire others who are on a difficult journey to find a way back to living a good, hopeful life’. Over several pages Hoy explains how he felt as his diagnosis was given to him, and then how he (and wife Sarra) processed the information. It’s a bit like going through the Kübler-Ross stages of grief. 

He conveys the emotions that I also remember feeling when hearing of your cancer diagnosis, and then managing the initial stages of treatment: ‘I’m in a state of shock. I can’t get a grip on his words or the room … And just like that, I learn how I will die. I’m utterly helpless to respond.’ If you haven’t had the misfortune to be in such a position yourself, this will allow you to experience it vicariously – and (more usefully) help you to understand what those with cancer are experiencing.

Hoy is grateful that he will have the opportunity ‘to say goodbye to loved ones’ properly, which is something denied to friends and fellow Scots Richard Moore and Rab Wardell, both of whom died unexpectedly and suddenly in their sleep.

Whether you cycle or not, if you are having to deal with any form of cancer in your family or friends, then you will recognise some of the challenges, and I am confident that you will learn a bit about coping with cancer in general.

You really wouldn’t wish a cancer diagnosis on anybody, but given that about half of us may well succumb at some time, can any good come of a diagnosis? Yes, possibly, if it helps to raise awareness of some issues surrounding cancer. One way to make that more likely is to have a ‘national treasure’ involved, preferably a much-loved one, such as Hoy, who had access to the right people, and commands attention at the highest levels.

Based on his own experience, Hoy wants to stress that even those with a terminal diagnosis can still get on with a pretty active life, although it may take a while to build back up to your previous abilities. It doesn’t feel possible to me at present, after only a year, but improvements are coming.

As Kevin Griffiths of Cancer my Arse fame said of himself and Hoy: ‘A lot of people just think you are literally on your last legs, and we’re not.’ I continue to surprise my oncologists by being able to cycle at all – let alone what they regard as a long distance; mind you, even 16 miles qualifies as ‘long’ to normal people. Wait until they hear of yesterday’s 36-mile ride!

If Hoy’s advocacy isn’t sufficient, then recent news that Lord David Cameron has been diagnosed and also successfully treated for prostate cancer will help to spread the word about testing and survivability. Whether you agree with his politics or not, there is no doubt that Cameron will have different contacts and influence than Hoy, and his involvement can only be a good thing.

Of course, there are many other books about cancer sufferers, and even a few from the world of cycling. It’s not about the bike by Lance Armstrong is one of the better-known examples, and I certainly found it inspirational at the time – but as we now know, it was complete bollocks.

Actually, given that his testicular cancer led to monorchism, perhaps I should say ‘incomplete bollocks’. (Not sure if the editor will let that one through, but I do hope so).

I see that as being another audience for Hoy’s book: those who might benefit from the same inspiration that Armstrong’s book gave to many people, but be more confident that they are giving their money to one of the good guys, rather than a divisive, bullying, cheating liar (or whatever description you have settled on for Lance).

Amazingly, a few folk have taken the opportunity to try to capitalise on Hoy’s misfortune. Take the example of Green Oil who suggested that Hoy’s cancer could be caused by the use of rival Muc-Off lubes that contained PTFE. I’m not qualified to know how true that could be, but I do know that it was in very bad taste – and that a grovelling apology followed.

If only one good thing were to come from Hoy’s experience, it would be pressure to make testing for prostate cancer more readily available, and even follow the lead of some countries in having an automatic screening programme. As a country, we do this already for bowel and breast cancer – and (to the layman) it makes sense that the same idea should be applied to the next most common cancer without a screening programme, namely prostate.

The groups most at risk include men over 50, black men, and those with a family history. If Hoy’s book achieves nothing else, it will be worthwhile if men go and pester their doctor for a test now; don’t wait until the NHS gets round to contacting you. That applies doubly for those most at risk, even (or especially) if you have no symptoms. I am far from an expert in this field, but it sounds so logical and simple really. From what I have understood, your doctor will not automatically offer you a PSA test for prostate cancer, but should supply one on request.

While there are various trials under way, there are potential complications – all of which led to the UK National Screening Committee deciding not to recommend mass screening on the NHS for prostate cancer – even as I write this. The main reason seems to be the risk of ‘over-diagnosis’: many men die with prostate cancer, but not because of it; more diagnoses would lead to more treatments and operations (all of which carry some risk), many of which would be unnecessary and wouldn’t extend life.

That’s not necessarily the end of the story, as the Health Secretary will make a final decision early next year. In order to future-proof this review, I will note that the current incumbent is Wes Streeting, but given the reports of various political manoeuvres he might not be in post come decision day. If so, I do hope that does not move the topic to the bottom of the department’s inbox.

Hoy’s story – and, let’s not forget, that of many others – seems to be having an effect already, with a dramatic increase in contact with the NHS about prostate cancer. The benefit of this is that the earlier it is diagnosed, the greater chance of successful treatment.

> Buy now: All That Matters for £6 from Amazon

Verdict

If helping people to understand more about cancer is a good thing, Hoy’s participation will help to raise awareness