Leading broadcasters Matt Barbet and Louise Minchin are set to participate in a significant charity cycle ride this Sunday in Glasgow. They will honour their late friends and esteemed colleagues, Bill Turnbull and Dermot Murnaghan. Both journalists tragically succumbed to prostate cancer.
The event, Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4, supports Prostate Cancer UK and four other major cancer charities. Matt Barbet, a former Sky News anchor, will ride in memory of his long-time friend Dermot Murnaghan. Murnaghan passed away in July after revealing his stage four prostate cancer diagnosis the previous summer.
Barbet expressed his devastation over Murnaghan’s death. He shared a poignant message from Dermot just months before he died: “Not too well tbh. I’ll keep you posted.” Barbet credits Murnaghan, a “master of his craft,” with teaching him much. Their friendship blossomed over 15 years of cycling together from their North London homes.
Dermot Murnaghan was a staunch advocate for Prostate Cancer UK. He dedicated his time to promoting their vital work. Barbet is committed to continuing this legacy. He urges men concerned about prostate health to consult their GP or use the online risk checker. This simple 30-second check could potentially save lives.
Meanwhile, former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin will remember Bill Turnbull, her dear friend and colleague. Turnbull passed away from prostate cancer in 2022. Minchin will be joined by fellow BBC presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty for the event. She also rode alongside Dermot Murnaghan last year.
Minchin praised Sir Chris Hoy and his wife Sarra for establishing the ride. She highlighted the event’s crucial role in raising awareness for stage four cancers. She misses Turnbull’s “wise words and sense of humour.” His brave decision to speak publicly about his diagnosis has saved many lives.
This year’s Tour de 4 follows a similar structure to previous events. Participants will depart from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, choosing from various distance routes. Fundraising efforts will benefit Breast Cancer Now, Cure Leukaemia, Macmillan Cancer Support, Maggie’s, and Prostate Cancer UK. General donations will be split equally among these five charities.
Sir Chris Hoy himself received a stage four prostate cancer diagnosis in 2023. A year later, he learned his condition was terminal. His mission for the Tour de 4 is clear: to demonstrate that living well with stage four cancer is possible. He also aims to raise crucial funds for those affected.
Other notable participants representing Prostate Cancer UK include Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave and Lady Ann Redgrave, former Scotland rugby star Kenny Logan, and astronaut Tim Peake. Sir Chris advocates for a national screening program for prostate cancer. He notes it is the only major cancer without one, despite being curable if detected early. He also supports Prostate Cancer UK’s Transform trial, which seeks to advance screening initiatives. More details on the 2026 charity cycle ride are available at tourde4.com.
