Legend rides the storm

Alex legend Geoff Thomas returned to Crewe today (Thursday, 31st July) to promote and sign copies of the paperback version of his book, Riding Through The Storm (writes David Coleman). This fascinating book focuses on Geoff’s gruelling road to recovery followed by his journey round the Tour de France in the summer of 2005, riding the 2240 mile-course in the 21 days it takes Lance Armstrong (his inspiration) and all the top cyclists. Despite never having cycled much before, despite the odds against him achieving it, he rode the course and raised nearly £250,000 for Leukeamia Research.

As he rides, he looks back on his successful career as a footballer, and the bone marrow transplant that saved his life. This is a powerful, moving and inspirational story of extraordinary achievement which tells the story of his fight back to fitness, following treatment for myloid leukeamia, by completing every stage of the Tour de France, cycling's premier endurance test.

Geoff is pictured with Andy Scoffin, who later interviewed him for new local radio station The Cat FM. Geoff told Andy about his Foundation, and how he aims to get the Government to help fund the development and supply of drugs to blood cancer patients.

He highlighted how there is now a real chance to transform the treatment possibilities for many patients for whom effective treatments have not previously existed. However, progress will only be made however if doctors and scientists across the country can be given the resources they need to work together to develop and deliver these new treatments.

Geoff fondly remembers his times at Crewe, including the odd visit to G's Nightclub in the High Street and the Cheshire Cat in Nantwich back in the 80's. Andy and I have similar memories!

Geoff signed for the Alex from Rochdale, and he remembers vividly scoring for them in one of his few appearances for them. You guessed it, at Gresty Rd! However he repaid his debt in full, as 12 months later he scored against Rochdale in a 5-1 thriller.

As always, it was an absolute pleasure to meet with Geoff, and Crewe ASi would like to wish him, and his Foundation every success for the future.