Geoff Thomas from Official site

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FORMER Barnsley and England footballer Geoff Thomas raised more than £170,000 for leukaemia charities last year.

His heroic effort was recognised at the BBC's prestigious Sports Personality of the Year Awards and at the National Variety Club Awards for showing courage in the face of adversity.

Today Geoff, himself in remission from chronic myeloid leukaemia, is set to embark on another incredible challenge to help fellow sufferers and to find a cure.

Having completed the entire 2,200 mile route of the Tour de France last summer, the former Crystal Palace, Crewe and Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder will attempt the Race Across America (RAAM) this June - the toughest cycling endurance competition in the world.

Starting in San Diego, California, Geoff's four-man team will ride night and day through 14 US states, across deserts and mountains, to reach Atlantic City, New Jersey, 3,052 miles away on the east coast.He has a time limit of less than ten days and so Geoff, who is still recovering from intensive chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation, regards RAAM as his most gruelling challenge yet.

Geoff said: "I have played for England alongside the likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer but doing the Tour de France ranked above everything else I've done.I had been given three years to live so it also made me realise my good fortune to have received such fantastic treatment.That's why I've decided to now take on RAAM and to help others facing leukaemia."

Seven times Tour de France champion, Lance Armstrong paid special tribute to Geoff: "I have been told that I was Geoff's inspiration but he has inspired millions".

Leading leukaemia expert Professor Charles Craddock who helped Geoff back to health said: "Most people ask if they can go swimming when they go into remission, not cycle the Tour de France.It was an extraordinary achievement and it is typical of Geoff that he should now set himself an even tougher challenge.His courage should help thousands of other patients."

Geoff will be raising money again for leukaemia charities this year.He hopes to be given the all clear from the disease in four years time and has dedicated himself to fundraising through cycling endurance events during that period.

To donate, sponsor or for more information visit www.geoff-thomas.com.

Geoff has been confirmed as one of the Oakwell Legends at Barnsley FC's clash with Bradford City on April 29, 2006.

 

What a good lad. I know it's been said a thousand times before, but it really gives a bit of perspective to life in general.

 

yes we keep saying it but what a top fella!