Pedalling together to help beat cancer

Sir Chris Hoy inspires employees at ScottishPower HQ

On Friday, 29 August, we were thrilled to welcome six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy to our HQ in Glasgow for an inspiring event ahead of his Tour de 4 charity bike ride on 7 September.

Sir Chris met with ScottishPower charity fundraisers supporting his drive to raise awareness of people living with stage four cancer.  It was a truly unique opportunity to hear about his distinguished career and aspirations for his latest venture, Tour de 4.

The event was hosted by STV Entertainment Reporter, Laura Boyd, and attendees also heard from Andrew Ward, CEO Customer Business, Hayley Brown, Cancer Research UK Science Engagement Manager, on the groundbreaking research turning science fiction into science fact and Michelle Mitchell, CEO Cancer Research UK.

Sir Chris Hoy said: “Tour de 4’s aim is to raise a million pounds for cancer charities across the UK, but I think it’s equally important to challenge perceptions of what a stage four cancer diagnosis can look like.

“Research and support is vital to help those living with cancer live longer and in some cases, live better and I’m delighted ScottishPower are invested in my vision to help raise awareness and vital funds whilst building a very special community through an event I hope will run for many years to come."

Team ScottishPower take on Tour de 4

On Sunday, 7 September, Sir Chris witnessed his vision come to life with close to 3,000 participants and over 6,000 attendees at his inaugural Tour de 4, including a 12-strong cycling team from ScottishPower and other notable figures like Sir Andy Murray and Sir Mark Cavendish. More importantly, over £2.3 million was raised for cancer charities across the UK, including Cancer Research UK – more than double the initial £1 million fundraising target.

Starting and finishing at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, participants could choose from a 92km road ride, a 60km option, a 1km family loop in the velodrome grounds and a static bike ride in the centre of the velodrome.

As an Official Partner of Tour de 4, ’Team ScottishPower’ took part to help raise vital funds while other employees showed their support by volunteering at the event with special merchandise and fun activities for all ages to enjoy at the ScottishPower marquee in the festival event village, including a special performance from the ScottishPower Pipe Band.

ScottishPower is a long-standing supporter of Cancer Research UK, having raised over £40 million from a wide variety of employee and customer initiatives including its sponsorship of the Race for Life event series, support of Stand Up To Cancer, and more recently, our backing of Tour de 4.

Together we have the energy to help beat cancer.