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Good Luck Team Revolution!

 

Broadcaster and writer Adrian Chiles, England and West Brom Goalkeeper Ben Foster and Warwickshire and England cricketer Jonathan Trott have recorded video messages of support for Cure Leukaemia Patron Geoff Thomas and 200 cyclists that begin the 500km ride from London to Paris on Thursday May 19th. 

 

London 2 Paris: Inspiring the Revolution is a premier cycling event led by former England, Crystal Palace and Wolves footballer and blood cancer survivor Geoff Thomas and ‘Team Revolution’ are due to set off from Greenwich Park at 8am on May 19th with the grandstand finish in Paris on May 22nd.

The ride has large teams from prominent national business firms taking part including headline sponsors Brewin Dolphin and every cyclist has committed to raising a minimum of £1,500 for blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia, the charity that helped save Geoff’s life in 2005.

Geoff captained Crystal Palace in the 1990 FA Cup final against Manchester United and is set to miss the repeat of this famous match on Saturday as he continues the ride into Paris.

Geoff said, “I am disappointed to be missing the FA Cup final and I would have loved to be at Wembley to witness the historic occasion but some things in life are more important than the great game of football and this cycle ride is raising funds for an inspirational cause.”

“The man who helped save my life, Professor Charlie Craddock CBE, is taking part alongside many people who have been touched with blood cancer in their lives. Some causes transcend sport and that is why I will be cycling and fundraising for Cure Leukaemia on FA Cup Final day. However, I am hopeful French TV televise the match!”

Cure Leukaemia Patron Adrian Chiles, who recently ran the Great Birmingham 10K for the charity, was keen to wish the cyclists well during the challenge. Ben Foster took part in the London 2 Paris ride last summer and would have been part of the team again had circumstances been different. Jonathan Trott, who ran the Great Birmingham 10K alongside Chiles, is also keen to take part in London 2 Paris one day but is currently playing for Warwickshire in the County Championship.

The video also features messages from Cure Leukaemia funded nurses and patients currently battling the disease including 19-year-old Jaymz Goodman from Telford, Shropshire. Jaymz is currently being treated for T-Cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma and has shared his story with the cyclists taking part in an emotional and powerful video:

Jaymz had planned to travel to Paris to welcome the riders into the finish but unfortunately cannot be there due to his treatment schedule.

James McLaughlin the CEO of Cure Leukaemia is also taking part in the ride to Paris and said: “We are all very excited to be taking on the challenge of this ride to Paris to raise funds for this great charity.

 

It shows the dedication and commitment Geoff has to this charity that he will be missing this historic cup final and I am sure everyone at Cure Leukaemia would join me in saying how grateful we are to have him taking part. Whilst this event is enormous fun it is important to remember the cause behind the cycling and courageous patients like Jaymz will help focus all the riders on their fundraising targets.”

Donations to Geoff’s cause can be made HERE