Comedian John Bishop has been forced to pull out of an upcoming charity event after breaking his ankle in a motorbike accident. He announced the news on social media yesterday afternoon, saying he was "gutted" to miss the ride.
Injury forces withdrawal from Tour de 4
Bishop was due to take part in Sir Chris Hoy's Tour de 4 event this Sunday in Glasgow. In an Instagram post, he wrote: "So gutted that I'm going to have to miss Sir Chris Hoy's Tour de 4 this Sunday due to an injury. I was really looking forward to taking part and helping raise awareness and vital funds for prostate cancer research."
He added: "Although I won't be able to be there, I'll be cheering on everyone taking part. Please continue to support Chris, the incredible riders and this brilliant cause. Good luck to everyone riding this Sunday!"
Support from Sir Chris and others
Sir Chris responded to the news, saying: "Heal fast mate! So sorry we won't get to see you but there's always next year!" The official Prostate Cancer UK account posted: "We're gutted! Wishing you a speedy recovery, John. Thank you so much for your support - maybe we'll get to see you in the shirt in future."
Other supportive messages came from musician Jools Holland, who commented "Get well soon", and Sir Chris' wife Sarra, who liked the post.
Details of the accident
In a video message to fans, Bishop explained: "I've got an announcement to make. On Sunday, I was meant to be wearing this shirt for Prostate Cancer UK during the Stage 4 ride with Chris Hoy. Unfortunately, I won't be there. I won't be able to wear this shirt this year because of this."
Pointing to his broken ankle, which was in a leg brace, he continued: "I went out for a motorbike ride today with Tim Peake who's a brilliant lad and a great motorcyclist and I learnt a lesson today – astronauts are better motorcyclists than comedians and so it looks like I've broken my ankle which means unfortunately I can't do the ride."
Tour de 4 was established following Sir Chris Hoy's diagnosis with Stage 4 cancer, to demonstrate that a Stage 4 diagnosis, while devastating, "doesn't define the limits" of what's possible. On the event's website, it said: "Chris' vision is to bring together people who have been affected by cancer - whether directly or indirectly - to challenge perceptions, inspire hope and raise vital funds for cancer charities across the UK."
