Son Rides in Memory of His Dad at Tour de 4

A Derbyshire man has completed a prestigious cycling event in honour of his late father, who had signed up to take part before tragically passing away this summer.

On Sunday 7 September, Matt Holmes (31) from Thulston honoured his late father, Ivan, by completing the Tour de 4 cycle event in Scotland – riding with his dad’s race number pinned to his bike and his name proudly placed on his back.

Ivan, who died in July at the age of 60, had been determined to take part in the event despite being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2024. A fit and active man, he had drawn inspiration from Sir Chris Hoy’s memoir All That Matters, which encouraged him to focus not on his diagnosis, but on what was still possible.

Tragically, Ivan collapsed in July and passed away just days later from a hemorrhagic stroke, surrounded by his family. His sudden death left a space on the Tour de 4 start line that his son, Matt, stepped forward to fill.

For Matt, the ride was about more than cycling. It was about stepping into his dad’s shoes, or in this case, his saddle, and carrying forward the determination and warmth that defined him.

“I had planned to surprise Dad at the start line, by signing up and taking part with him. Taking on the challenge in memory of Dad was hard, but I knew he’d be proud,” Matt said.

“Dad was determined to prove that cancer didn’t define him, and I know he’d be proud that the challenge was still completed. I could almost hear him in my head, telling me to keep pushing on, just like he did when I was younger.”

Matt rode alongside Ivan’s close friend, Gerald Stephens, making the day not only a test of endurance but also a powerful tribute to a man remembered for his positivity, humour, and love of life. Ivan was the sort of person who was always last on the dancefloor, never left a glass half empty, and treated everyone with the same kindness, whether in the office or at home.

The ride also continued Ivan’s fundraising mission for Treetops Hospice, a local charity that supported the family during Matt’s grandmother’s illness five years ago. Thanks to Ivan’s determination and Matt’s tribute ride, the fundraising total has now grown beyond his original target, with donations still coming in.

Matt added: “Dad always said if he couldn’t ride, I’d have to do it for him. It wasn’t the way any of us wanted it to be, but doing those miles in his name felt right. This was for him, and for the cause that meant so much to him.”

Claire Mathias, Relationships Manager – Challenge Events at Treetops Hospice, said: “We are incredibly moved by Matt’s dedication in honouring his dad. To take on this challenge so soon after losing Ivan is a powerful tribute, and the funds raised will make a real difference to local families living with life-limiting illness. Ivan’s story is one of courage and resilience, and we are so grateful to Matt and the whole family for choosing to continue his legacy through their support for Treetops.”