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My story

 

FOR the second time in three years, Geoff Thomas and his Unity Team undertook one of the most testing challenges in all of professional sport during the summer of 2007 - The Tour de France.

Riding two days behind the actual race, Geoff and his intrepid team mates, including special guest riders such as football legend Ian Wright, attempted to cover the 3,550-kilometre course.

Geoff had successfully completed the route in 2005, raising over £170,000 for Leukaemia Research in the process.

Those efforts were sufficient to win the prestigious BBC Helen Rollason Sports Personality Award and the ringing personal praise of the greatest cyclist to ever live – seven-times Tour winner and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong.

Geoff explained: “I think it’s a well-known story now that when I was being treated for leukaemia, Lance’s book was a huge inspiration for me and led to me riding the Tour in 2005.

“This time, though, there was a slightly different motive. Four of the Unity team are, like me, cancer survivors and I thought it was important to spread the news and show examples of how many brave and inspirational people there are in the cancer community.

“Lance was an inspiration to me and people were kind enough to say I helped inspire them in 2005. Well, these guys should be an inspiration to everyone for what they accomplished and how they did it.”

The 2007 Tour de France started in London, giving the ride a personal feel to Geoff who spent the most successful period of his football career in the capital withCrystalPalace.

The route covered 3,550 kilometres, made up of 11 flat stages, 6 mountain stages, 1 medium mountain stage and 2 individual time-trial stages.  There were 3 mountain finishes, 2 rest days, 117 kilometres of individual time-trials and 21 Category 1, Category 2 and highest level passes.

It also featured some emotional highs and heartbreaking lows for Geoff, the riders and their hard-working support staff.

And you can follow the Unity Team every step of the way by visiting the Taking on Le Tour 2007 pages at www.geoffthomasfoundation.com

Please dig deep and sponsor the Unity Team

Am really enjoying your book Geoff, you are an inspiration. Respect to Wrighty too! Donation by Richard Snoxell 13/07/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

The books a good read. Good luck again this year. Donation by Graham Payne 13/07/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck up those mountains. Donation by Melanie 13/07/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Steve, Phil and Mike, The Marmotte wasn't the same without you this year.. Best of luck !! Donation by Stephen McNally 13/07/07  

£20.00

Good Luck Geoff, and may the wind always be up your Tail ! Donation by Cliff Heeley 13/07/07  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Even an ex-Wolf can do worthy things it seems?! Donation by Amanda Hume 13/07/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck to Geoff and the boys. Donation by Martin Saunders 13/07/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck with the race and raising the funds! Donation by Alison Hayward 13/07/07  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Goodluck to the poorly ones Donation by geoff sykes grandpa motorbike 12/07/07  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

I sponsored you last time ,so I'd better cough up again.I have huge admiration for what you doing. Donation by Ken Kaiser 12/07/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck Donation by Anne 12/07/07  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Twice! Blimey. Donation by Ilya and Renzo 12/07/07  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Donation by Caroline Emery 12/07/07  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Good Luck Donation by Connie Griffin 12/07/07  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Keep up the good work!!! Donation by Dan Tomlinson 12/07/07  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good Luck Geoff..... from a Brighton & Hove Albion supporter. Rivalrys put to one side on this one ! Donation by Steve 12/07/07  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

An inspiration to everyon God bless you Donation by Cathy Churchman 12/07/07  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Chapeau, Geoff! Donation by Nigel K 12/07/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

GOOD LUCK Donation by PETER SIEBER 12/07/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by tim wiberg 11/07/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck Geoff you are doing fantastic work Donation by pixx 11/07/07  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Great work Donation by bruce 11/07/07  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Exceptional work, stay strong Donation by Andy Greening 11/07/07  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Just heard Ian Wright on TalkSport. Keep going - you're doing brilliantly! Donation by GeorgyGirl 11/07/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by gareth snook 11/07/07  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

inspirational Donation by Dan Jewell 11/07/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by Crazy 11/07/07  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Geoff - Thanks for lots of happy memories watching you at Selhurst. Good luck with the ride. Donation by Dom Hughes 11/07/07  

£20.00

Good luck! Donation by Carly Stephenson 11/07/07  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Well done Dave-Phyll and I are proud to know you Donation by Hugh 10/07/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid
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