Victoria Pendleton broke down in tears as she shared her touching tattoo tribute to her late twin brother on Friday.
The Olympian, 43, took part in the Don’t Look Down Stand Up To Cancer Special and appeared on the live telethon on Friday.
Joining the contestants on the other show, the group spoke about the challenges they had to complete alongside presenter Paddy McGuinness.
Victoria wore a black dress with a low square neckline, which showed off her tribute tattoo for her brother.
The tattoo is placed in the center of Victoria’s chest, so always close to her heart, and shows a delicate drawing of an anatomical heart with Alex’s name written on it on a banner.
Moving: Victoria Pendleton, 43, broke down in tears as she shared her touching tattoo tribute to her late twin brother on Friday
Sadness: The Olympian took part in the Don’t Look Down Stand Up To Cancer Special and appeared on the live telethon on Friday
The evening’s co-host Davina McCall, 56, comforted Victoria with a huge hug.
Discussing taking part in Don’t Look Down, she told The Mirror: ‘I needed to do something, get back into the swing of things and it was the perfect opportunity that came along at the perfect time.
‘I feel very happy. It came to me quite late – I think they thought I wouldn’t necessarily be interested in doing something so quickly, and I actually thought, no, I think it sounds really interesting.
In June, Victoria’s twin brother Alex passed away at the age of 42 after battling an ‘aggressive’ brain tumor.
Graphic designer Alex was diagnosed with leukemia as a child and after more than thirty years in remission, his cancer tragically returned.
Victoria paid tribute to her sibling in an Instagram post on Thursday, saying Alex would be “sorely missed by many.”
She posted a photo with her twin brother and 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.”
Comfort: The evening’s co-host Davina McCall, 56, comforted Victoria with a huge hug
Loving: Victoria wore a black dress with a low square neckline, which beautifully showed off her tribute tattoo for her brother
Ink: The tattoo is placed in the center of Victoria’s chest, so always close to her heart, and shows a delicate drawing of an anatomical heart with Alex’s name written on it on a banner
She continued: “He will be painfully missed by many. Rest in peace my kind, brave twin, you will be in our hearts forever ❤️ #twinner #betterhalfofme #heartbroken #missyou #wewillneverforgetyou.”
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: ‘I’m so sorry to read this Vic. Sending lots of love to you and your family. Xx’.
Alex was diagnosed with cancer at the age of four after being stung by a wild rose thorn that caused blood poisoning; he had leukemia at the time.
Victoria recalled the sudden onset of the illness, revealing that she still remembers the day he was rushed to hospital and the nights she prayed for his recovery.
When Victoria took part in the grueling reality show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2019, she revealed she signed up after being inspired by the way her brother battled the disease.
She explained: ‘The diagnosis was made quickly and he is with me today. I know many children and adults are not so lucky. I always feel very lucky to have him.
‘I am indebted to the doctors and nurses for getting him the treatment he needed.’
Sincerely: She continued, “He will be painfully missed by many. Rest in peace my kind, brave twin, you will be in our hearts forever ❤️ #twinner #betterhalfofme #heartbroken #missyou #wewillneverforgetyou
Heartbreaking news: Victoria Pendleton revealed her twin brother Alex died in June 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’