Victoria Pendleton’s twin brother Alex has died at the age of 42 after battling an ‘aggressive’ brain tumour.
Graphic designer Alex was diagnosed with leukemia as a child and after more than three decades in remission his cancer tragically returned.
Paying tribute to her sibling in an Instagram post on Thursday, Victoria said that Alex would be ‘painfully missed by many’.
Posting a picture with her twin, she penned: ‘Alex Pendleton 24.09.80 – 22.06.23.
‘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.’
Heartbreaking news: Victoria Pendleton has revealed her twin brother Alex has died after battling an ‘aggresive’ brain tumour
Tragic news: Paying tribute to her sibling in her heartfelt post, the Olympian said he would be ‘painfully missed by many’
She continued: ‘He will be painfully missed by many. Rest in peace my kind, brave twinnie, you will forever be in our hearts ❤️ #twinner #betterhalfofme #heartbroken #missyou #wewillneverforgetyou.’
Friends of the cyclist were quick to pay their condolences, with Ben Fogle commenting: ‘I am so so so sorry Vic. Sending you all my love ❤️’
Adam Thomas shared ‘Thinking of you xxx’ while Dame Kelly Holmes penned: ‘I am so so sorry to read this Vic. sending much love to you and family Xx’.
Alex was diagnosed with cancer at the age of four after being pricked by a wild rose thorn that caused blood poisoning; he then had leukaemia.
Victoria recalled the illness came on suddenly, revealing she still remembers the day he was rushed to hospital and the nights she would spend praying for him to recover.
In 2019, when Victoria took part in gruelling reality show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, she revealed she signed up after being inspired by how her brother battled the disease.
She explained: ‘It was diagnosed quickly and he’s with me today. I know many children and adults are not that lucky. I always feel very fortunate that I have him.
‘I’m in debt to the doctors and nurses for giving him the treatment he needed.’
Bond: Alex was previously diagnosed with leukemia but was said to have made a full recovery, with Victoria using his battle as inspiration on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins
Memories: Victoria previously credited her brother as part of the reason behind her Olympic success, having raced against him as a child
Tragic loss: In 2018 Alex married Sarah Jones and in a touching gesture, the couple raised funds for Cancer Research by asking for charitable donations in lieu of wedding presents
In 2018 Alex married his girlfriend Sarah Jones and in a touching gesture the couple raised funds for Cancer Research by asking for charitable donations in lieu of wedding presents.
A JustGiving page for the pair read: ‘In our lives we have both witnessed the affects of cancer and have lost family members far too early in their lives.
‘We have always spoken about fundraising for a charity so close to our hearts, but lets be serious, is Sarah ever going to run a marathon? LOL
‘This is why instead of us accepting wedding gifts, we are encouraging you to donate money to Cancer Research. Please help us make a difference to someone’s life.’
Victoria has not revealed when her brother’s cancer returned but he was receiving outpatient care at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in January last year.
Victoria previously credited her brother as part of the reason behind her Olympic success.
She revealed that her parents gave Alex more attention in childhood after his cancer battle so she became hellbent on beating her brother at cycling, to prove herself.
At the age of nine, the siblings started racing and by the time she was 15, Victoria was used to cycling 50 miles on a Sunday.
Victoria also spoke about her sibling’s ability to live in the moment and his sunny persona.
Speaking to The Daily Mail in 2020, Victoria broached the subject of her mental health and depression battles.
She explained: ‘I live with the knowledge depression may happen at any time, but I’m more prepared to deal with it now
‘I’ve always had low spells. A lot of people in my family have experienced anxiety and depression.
‘My older sister Nicola, my dad — both of them suffer at times from extreme stress.’
Yet she revealed the same could not be said for Alex, laughing: ‘No, we’re yin and yang. He doesn’t take life too seriously.’
Childhood memories: Victoria previously spoke about her sibling’s ability to live in the moment and his sunny persona (pictured together as children)
Close: Victoria and her late brother Alex posed together for a photo in their young years
Early inspiration: Victoria and Alex can be seen wearing cycling gear
Congratulations: With two Olympic gold medals and one silver, Victoria is one of Great Britain’s most successful female Olympians
While the Pendleton siblings would often go out riding as children, Alex gave up cycling in his teenage years as their older sister Nicola had before, with Victoria quipping that he ‘saw his chance and took it’ to give up and escape the world of competitive sport.
Yet Victoria’s love of riding and determination continued and she went on to become an Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth champion.
With two Olympic gold medals and one silver, Victoria is one of Great Britain’s most successful female Olympians.
After retiring in 2012 she retrained as a jockey, taking part in the 2016 Foxhunter Chase, at Cheltenham.
