Victoria Pendleton announces death of twin brother following ‘epic’ battle with brain tumour

Victoria Pendleton has announced that her twin brother Alex has died following an “epic battle” against 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.

Former Olympic track cyclist-turned-jockey Pendleton said her brother died aged 42 on Thursday morning.

Taking to Instagram, she shared two images, one showing her brother embracing her from behind and of Alex by himself smiling at the camera.

She captioned her post: “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.

“He will be painfully missed by many. Rest in peace my kind, brave twinnie, you will forever be in our hearts.”

Pendleton was flooded with messages of condolences in the comments section from celebrities including presenter Geth Jones, retired athlete Dame Kelly Holmes, adventurer Ben Fogle, This Morning’s Dermot O’Leary and Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu.

Sharing crying and love heart emojis, Dame Kelly wrote: “I am so so sorry to read this Vic #sending much love to you and family Xx.”

Snowboarder Jamie Nicholls also wrote: “Lots of love VP. Incredibly sorry for your loss and thinking of you.”

Pendleton, also known for her appearances on Emmerdale, A Question Of Sport and Celebrity SAS, retired from cycling after winning gold at the London 2012 Olympics.

She previously shared in June 2018 that Alex got married, saying it would be good to be “half as good of a person” as him.