03 November 2023 , 22:59
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Olympic icon Victoria Pendleton has shared her heartbreak over the death of her twin brother, Alex, who died earlier this year after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The 43-year-old former track cyclist was devastated in June when Alex passed away. Victoria was one of the many stars taking part in Channel 4’s annual Stand Up 2 Cancer charity comedy night - where funds are raised to help find a cure for cancer - featuring in an episode of Don't Look Down. The special show saw Victoria and various other celebrities attempt to attempt a world-first relay highwire walk 100ft above the London Stadium.
In a poignant moment during the challenge, Victoria shared her own personal experience with cancer through the loss of her brother. Breaking down in tears, she said: "I can't do this without thinking about my brother. My brother is here, always. And I would do anything to help him."
She saw photos of him on a screen while she took part in the challenge and confessed it was "so hard" to see photos of him looking down at her. Fellow celebrity participants also shed tears during Victoria's emotional speech.
Victoria Pendleton broke down in tears while talking about her late brother during a Stand Up 2 Cancer challenge (Channel 4)Back in June, Victoria shared the sad news that Alex had lost his life. She wrote online at the time: "If you know me then you likely know my twin brother Alex, I just wanted to let you know that this morning Alex sadly passed away after an epic battle against an aggressive brain tumour.
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“He will be painfully missed by many. Rest in peace my kind, brave twinnie, you will forever be in our hearts." Her emotional statement, which was released via Instagram, was met with a wall of support from fans and followers.
Dame Kelly Holmes and TV presenters Dermot O'Leary and Ben Fogle were among those to share messages of support. Alex had previously battled leukemia as a child but his cancer returned after a lengthy remission.
Victoria's twin Alex tragically died in June (twitter.com/v_pendleton)He was diagnosed at just four years of age after being by a wild rose thorn caused blood poisoning. Pendleton opened up on his cancer battle when she starred on Channel 4's Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, revealing how he continues to inspire her.
She previously credited him as part of the reason behind her Olympic success as his battle drove her on to win the biggest prizes on offer. Last month, Victoria revealed she had got a tattoo in tribute to her late brother - getting his name inked across her chest.
She told the Mirror of her plan to take part in Don't Look Down: "I needed to do something, get back into the swing of things and it was the perfect opportunity coming around at the perfect time. I feel very fortunate. It came to me pretty late – I think they were thinking I wouldn’t necessarily be interested in doing something so soon, and I was like, 'Actually, no, I think it sounds really interesting'."