Victoria Pendleton reveals her twin brother Alex, 42, has died from a brain tumour
Victoria Pendleton has revealed that her twin brother Alex has died from an ‘aggressive’ brain tumour.
Paying tribute to her sibling in her heartfelt post, the Olympian said he would be “painfully missed by many.”
Alongside a photo with her twin brother, 42, she wrote, “Alex Pendleton 24.09.80 – 22.06.23
“If you know me, you probably know my twin brother Alex. I just wanted to let you know that Alex sadly passed away this morning after an epic battle with an aggressive brain tumor.
He will be sorely missed by many. Rest in peace my sweet brave twin you will be in our hearts forever ❤️ #twinner #betterhalfofme #heartbroken #missyou #wewillneverforgetyou.’
Heartbreaking news: Victoria Pendleton has revealed her twin brother Alex has died after battling an ‘aggressive’ brain tumor
Tragic news: Paying tribute to her sibling in her heartfelt post, the Olympian said he would be ‘painfully missed by many’
Friends of the cyclist were quick to offer their condolences, with Ben Fogle commenting, “I’m so sorry, Vic. Sending you all my love ❤️’
Adam Thomas shared ‘Thinking of you xxx’ while Dame Kelly Holmes wrote, ‘So sorry to read this Vic. lots of love to you and family Xx’.
Alex had previously been diagnosed with leukemia but is said to have made a full recovery.
In 2019, when Victoria competed on the grueling reality show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, she revealed that she signed on after being inspired by how her brother battled cancer.
She explained, “It was diagnosed quickly and he is with me today. I know that many children and adults are not so lucky. I always feel very lucky to have it.
“I am indebted to the doctors and nurses for giving him the treatment he needed.”
The year before, Alex married his girlfriend Sarah Jones and in a touching gesture, the couple raised money for cancer research by soliciting charitable donations in lieu of wedding gifts.
A JustGiving page for the couple stated, “In our lives we have both witnessed the effects of cancer and lost family members way too early in life.
“We’ve always talked about fundraising for a cause close to our hearts, but let’s be serious: Will Sarah ever run a marathon? LOL
“That’s why we encourage you to donate money to Cancer Research, rather than accepting wedding gifts. Please help us make a difference in someone’s life.”
Bond: Alex was previously diagnosed with leukemia but is said to have made a full recovery, with Victoria using his struggle as inspiration for Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins
Memories: Victoria previously cited her brother as part of the reason behind her Olympic success, having raced against him as a child
Childhood Memories: Victoria previously spoke about her sibling’s ability to live in the moment and his sunny personality (pictured together as children)
Close: Victoria and her late brother Alex posed together for a picture in their younger years
Victoria previously spoke of her brother’s ability to live in the moment and his sunny personality.
Speaking to The Daily Mail in 2020, Victoria discussed the topic of her battle with mental health and depression.
She explained: “I live with the knowledge that depression can happen at any time, but I am now better prepared to deal with it
“I’ve always had low periods. Many people in my family have experienced anxiety and depression.
“My older sister Nicola, my father – they both suffer from extreme stress at times.”
Still, she revealed the same couldn’t be said of Alex, laughing, “No, we’re yin and yang.” He doesn’t take life too seriously.’
Victoria previously cited her brother as part of the reason behind her Olympic success.
As a child, Victoria was jealous that her father seemed to pay more attention to Alex and therefore wanted to beat her brother to prove himself.
When she was nine, the kids started racing, and by the time she was 15, Victoria was used to cycling 50 miles on a Sunday.
Her love of riding and determination continued and she became an Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth champion.
With two Olympic gold medals and a silver, Victoria is one of Britain’s most successful female Olympians.
Siblings: Victoria and Alex posed for a photo in the garden in their school uniforms
Early Inspiration: Victoria and Alex can be seen in cycling clothes