Lady Sarra Hoy has drawn widespread admiration after posting an inspiring message on Instagram marking three years since she and her husband, Sir Chris Hoy, received life-changing diagnoses. In her post, she reflected on her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis and Sir Chris's incurable cancer, sharing a series of photographs accompanied by reflections on taking life one step at a time.
The couple received their diagnoses in 2023. Sir Chris, a six-time Olympic cycling champion, later revealed that his prostate cancer had spread to his bones and was terminal. Sarra was diagnosed with an aggressive form of MS around the same period. Despite the devastating news, they have continued to focus on making the most of their time together with their children, sharing messages of hope and raising awareness of their conditions.
A Message of Perspective and Hope
In her latest Instagram post, Sarra shared a series of 10 images, each featuring a different phrase offering a reminder to appreciate the world around us and focus on the present rather than becoming overwhelmed by the future. The images included messages such as: "On the days you feel overwhelmed at the scale of everything," "Zoom out. Look how small we are. The mountains. The oceans. The stars." and "Take a moment to be in AWE of something much bigger than we can truly understand."
The post continued: "Next, zoom in. Make your own world tiny. Feeling small is not the same as being insignificant. Tend to the smallest corner of your universe." Another image read: "The ordinary, everyday things are the tiny threads that weave together to make life extraordinary." The final images encouraged living in the moment, with one asking people to "Breathe. Ask yourself 'What's now? What's next?'" before closing with "One thread at a time" and "One moment at a time."
Alongside the slideshow, Sarra wrote: "Three years since our mutual diagnosis of incurable cancer and multiple sclerosis. Yet here we are. Taking it one step at a time. And doing fine!" She added: "The future is not ours. It is not yet written. When everything seems too big, make it smaller. What's now? What's next?"
Outpouring of Support
Her message prompted an outpouring of support from followers, with many praising the honesty and perspective of the post. Broadcaster and television presenter Mihaela Radulescu Schwartzenberg commented: "This is so inspiring…. Thank you, Sara." Another follower wrote: "One day, or one step, at a time is a great approach. Love to all the Hoys xx". One person, who has been sharing their own experiences of cancer, added: "Yes one day or turn at a time is the way forward! To think much more than this is too overwhelming I find. Sending love to you all xx".
BBC presenter Sally Nugent also left a message, writing: "Beautiful." Another follower said the post "puts so much into perspective", while one described the Hoys as "National Treasures". A further comment read: "Love this and totally agree. Such powerful words. You and your husband are inspirational."
Chris Hoy's Health Update and Advocacy
The post comes after Sir Chris recently spoke about his health and his determination to keep campaigning for greater awareness of prostate cancer. The 50-year-old was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2023 and went public with his condition in February 2024. He later revealed that the disease had spread to his bones, including his shoulder, pelvis, ribs and spine. Doctors told the former Olympic champion that his cancer was terminal and that he could have between two and four years to live.
Speaking to BBC Scotland in August, Hoy said he was "doing really well" and explained why he continued to focus on the present rather than worry about what might lie ahead. "Right now, life just goes on," he said. "You could spend your time sitting worrying about the future but that doesn't help you in any shape or form."
The cycling legend has also become a prominent advocate for prostate cancer awareness, urging men to understand their individual risk and seek advice rather than put off potentially life-saving checks. He has previously spoken about the importance of turning his personal experience into something that could help others, while stressing that he and fellow campaigners would not give up.
Sarra, meanwhile, has spoken openly about receiving her MS diagnosis shortly after her husband's cancer diagnosis. She previously revealed that her initial symptoms, including tingling and changes in sensation in her face, had led her to believe she might need dental treatment. The couple have continued to share glimpses of family life and their determination to take each day as it comes.
