AN AFTER event party to celebrate the success of a fund-raising cycle around the whole Tour de France route was held at Bromsgrove Sporting’s Rousler Bar.
The ride, which took place in July in aid of Cure Leukaemia, was led by former England footballer and Barnt Green resident Geoff Thomas.
He was joined on the night by Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletics Club Helen Russell who also successfully completed the Tour de France course.
The ITV4 Tour de France Commentator Ned Boulting compered the evening with a special question and answer session with Thomas who shared his experiences of riding the Tour de France route, his time as a professional footballer and his battle with blood cancer.
He also ran an auction of items donated by sports stars, including West Brom shot-stopper Ben Foster, Lance Armstrong and local cycling star Jess Varnish.
The sell-out event, organised by Russell, attracted more than 120 people and raised over £3,000 on the evening with more money still coming in.
Speaking at the event, Thomas confirmed there would be a 2016 One Day Ahead challenge, which has already raised a significant amount of interest.
After the event Russell said, “The evening was a great success and Geoff and I are really grateful to everyone who came along, got involved in the auction and donated raffle prizes.
“The money raised will go towards funding clinical trials and research nurses at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.”
The One Day Ahead team have so far raised over £650,000 and there is still time to donate.
Visit www.justgiving.com/Geoff-Thomas-2015 or www.justgiving.com/HelenRussell-LeTour to pledge funds.
