Geoff Thomas has now embarked on his quest to conquer the Tour de France route in aid of Leukaemia Research. The former Crewe Alexandra and England midfielder hopes that by completing the gruelling 2,200 miles trip he will raise his target of £200,000 and accomplish the challenge of a life-time.

As you may be aware, Geoff was diagnosed with life-threatening chronic myeloid leukaemia in July 2003 and underwent a bone marrow transplant in January 2004 when his sister thankfully provided a match.

Now in remission, Thomas, who spent two spells at Crewe Alexandra is set to complete over 100 miles each day for the next 21 days after being inspired by six-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.

"Lance's autobiography was inspirational to me and I got in a great frame of mind for my own personal battle with cancer, " says Geoff.

"It is certainly going to be a challenge but that is why we are doing it. Life isn't easy and we thought we would have to do something dramatic to raise funds and awareness.

"A lot of people have donated money so far, so I have prepared properly and have an awful lot of people to thank. I'm also doing it for those friends I had the privieldge to meet along the way, who are no longer with us.

"The figures stand that 7 out of 10 adults die from leukaemia and I just want to do my little bit so hopefully we can find a cure in the not so distant future.

He added: "It I can achieve it. It will be the biggest achievement of my life and I think I will be an emotional wreck when I'm approaching the finishing straight!"

If you would like to donate anything towards Geoff Thomas' challenge, please visit www.Geoff-Thomas.com