Cancer survivor teams up with England footballer to raise £2million - The Bromsgrove Standard

Cancer survivor teams up with England footballer to raise £2million

Bromsgrove Editorial 17th Oct, 2014 Updated: 17th Oct, 2016   0

A FORMER England international footballer and Barnt Green resident who overcame blood cancer a decade ago will spearhead two major cycling events in a bid to raise £2million for Cure Leukaemia.

Geoff Thomas, who also played for Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers. will lead a group of riders on a four-day, 500km ‘London 2 Paris – Inspiring the Revolution’ challenge in June 2015.

Geoff said the route, built for both keen cyclists and beginners looking for a new challenge, was ‘the best four days you could have on a bike anywhere, anytime’.

“The event will ensure that all those involved will have the time of their life – every aspect of the ride is planned with precision and will be a professional event for amateur riders.” he added.




Six months after Geoff completed his treatment in 2005, and inspired by cancer survivor and pro-cyclist Lance Armstrong, he set himself the challenge and successfully completed the Tour de France route two days ahead of the race.

The second cycling challenge Geoff will be leading will be the 21 stages of the Tour de France – this time, with a group of 20 other riders and just a day before of Le Tour 2015.


Geoff said: “Cycling the Tour de France route in 2005 was my way of saying thank you to all those people who had supported me through my diagnosis and recovery.

“It was an incredibly tough challenge and an experience that will stay with me forever.

“At that time I had no idea what I would be doing ten years on, but being in such good health and having returned as a patron for Cure Leukaemia I want to get more involved and help raise awareness and funds I know will make a direct impact on the treatment of people who are in the same position I was a decade ago.”

He added revisiting the Tour de France a day ahead of the professional peloton would be incredibly challenging, both methally and physically.

Geoff has a strong connection with Cure Leukaemia which is credited with saving his life, the life.

It is based at the Centre for Clinical Haematology at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Visit www.cureleukaemia.co.uk or email [email protected] for more on the charity rides.

The cycles will be delivered by EDGE, the company Geoff set up with cycling events production expert , best brands and suppliers.

Visit www.findyouredge.co.uk for more information on EDGE.

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