‘That was the main worry for him that encouraged him to go to his doctor’
The pals out in Edinburgh for a catch up in May 2026 (L-R: Manny, Hooker, Steven).
Three lifelong Edinburgh mates are set to take on a gruelling charity cycle to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. Steven Walker, 56, Mack McManus (Manny), 56, and Ian Hooker, 56, will complete the 56 miles cycle through the Campsie hills on September 6 as part of the Tour de 4 2026 set up by Sir Chirs Hoy.
The pals, who first met at Wardie Primary and later went to Trinity High School together, were motivated by Manny’s prostate cancer diagnosis last year. Dad Manny, now living in Tranent, began experiencing problematic symptoms which led to him having to urinate frequently.
After a trip to the doctor and an MRI scan, his world was turned upside down and he was diagnosed with cancer. Retired Steven, now living in Portobello, and retired Ian, now living in Glasgow, alongside Manny, decided they wanted to do something to help others battling prostate cancer.
Steven, Manny and Hooker at Toppo’s Grindley Street for a 21st in 1986.
Steven, who has been friends with Manny and Ian for 48-years, said: “Manny’s been fit and healthy his whole life, so to get something like that, it just proves it can happen to anybody and totally out of the blue.
“He was getting up during the night two or three times and if he was going out for a beer or a pint, he was finding he was going to the toilet quite a lot.
“That was the main kind of worry for him and that’s what encouraged him to go to his doctor about his prostate. They found his PSA levels were high and after an MRI the cancer was discovered.
“It was a hugely worrying time for him and his family and all of his friends as well. He went through radiotherapy and various medications, he would be going to the hospital four days on and four days off.
Steven and Hooker at a house party in 1984.
“It caused him to develop a lot of anxiety and worry that he wasn’t going to get through this. But I’m happy to say he has been fully cancer free since January this year which is great news.”
Steven suggested to Manny and Ian that they take on the Chris Hoy Tour de 4 2026 after hearing about Sir Chris Hoy’s own battle with stage four cancer. Manny was taken aback by the gesture and the three amigos decided to don their lycra and behind practicing.
Steven said: “I said if the three of us, who’ve been friends since primary school, can get our backsides on our bikes and do something for Prostate Cancer UK, then why don’t we do it?
“It was obviously a nod to Manny’s diagnosis 18 months ago and his recovery. Manny was really quite taken aback that we’d thought about doing it.
“We’re getting on a bit at 56, but we’re still pretty fit and active. I think we’ll manage it, but I think we’ll be a bit sore after it.
Manny and Hooker at San Antonia, Ibiza, in 1988.
“None of us have been huge cyclists. While fifty-six miles doesn’t sound a lot, there’s a fair bit of climbing on the route.
“We have our annual golf trip coming up and some family holidays, so we will also be missing some days training. But we have booked a hotel for the night of the cycle so we can go and have some beers together and celebrate raising some money for Prostate Cancer UK.”
The trio in Cala Millor, Majorca, in 1987.
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