 |  |  | | | GEOFF THOMAS: TAKING ON LE TOUR | | | | |
| |  Geoff Thomas
Release Date: 21st February 2005
Former England footballer Geoff Thomas is taking on the challenge of a lifetime when he cycles the gruelling Tour de France route this summer to help fight leukaemia.
Geoff was diagnosed with the life-threatening chronic myeloid leukaemia in July 2003 and underwent a bone marrow transplant in January 2004. He has been in remission since last Christmas and has now been given permission by doctors to take on the physical demands of the Tour de France.
In five years’ time Geoff will know whether he has beaten the disease but his immediate plans are to raise awareness and money for Leukaemia Research.
“As a professional athlete myself, reading Lance Armstrong’s book about his battle with cancer inspired me and gave me more determination to fight leukaemia. Even though I trained every day for 20 years as a professional footballer, I don’t think anything compares with the mental and physical trials of the Tour de France.
“I’ve watched the event over the years and even the professional riders struggle on some of the stages. To do it in the same number of days as the professionals will be a major test, but it is something that excites me more every day. It’s a huge commitment, but I’m determined to do it and raise money to help fund the medical research that I believe saved my life,” said Geoff.
With the help of a professional coach, Geoff is combining cycling and resistance training every day in preparation for the 3,484 km race.
Thomas will begin his Tour on Sunday, June 26 and will be supported by several other famous faces at various stages along the route. Geoff will complete all 21 stages of the arduous trail in the same time as the professional cyclists, a feat that has yet to be achieved by any other amateur cycling team. The official Tour de France starts in Fromentine on 2 July and will end in Paris 22 days later.
Geoff and his team will ride each stage three days before the professional riders cover the same course.
“We are delighted that Geoff is making this fantastic contribution to our fund-raising efforts. Anyone who'd like to make a donation can do so by visiting Geoff’s website www.geoff-thomas.com We wish Geoff and all his team-mates every success for the Tour de France,” said Cathy Gilman, Director of Fundraising, Leukaemia Research.
The money raised will be donated to Leukaemia Research and Cure Leukaemia.
If you'd like to help Geoff reach his target of £200,000 call Cathy Gilman, Director of Fundraising on 020 7269 9004.
Media enquiries contact Farooq Mulla 020 7269 9019.
|
|
|
|
|
