Geoff's story

Geoff Thomas was diagnosed with leukaemia, a type of blood cancer, in 2003 shortly after retiring from professional football. 

Geoff's was fortunate to receive life-saving treatment, but many patients are not so fortunate. Since his recovery Geoff has dedicated himself to raising money and campaigning for new treatments for patients with blood cancer.

Geoff started his football career in the 80s, when he was signed to Rochdale. Showing great promise as a midfielder Geoff moved on to play for Wolves, Nottingham Forrest, Barnsley and England, who he represented nine times.

The highlight of Geoff’s footballing career was captaining Crystal Palace to the 1990 FA cup final against Manchester United.

But his greatest challenge was to come after he retired from professional football. In 2003 Geoff was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), a type of blood cancer.

“Just as I was getting used to my new life, I was given the shocking news that I had leukaemia and only three months to live. My life totally changed,” recalls Geoff.

Geoff was lucky and was saved by a stem cell transplant from his sister, Kay, who was a very good donor match. Without this treatment, Geoff would not be here today.

During his time in hospital Geoff met many people, also with blood cancer, who could not receive life-saving treatment and so lost their fight with this horrible disease. Inspired by their bravery, Geoff decided to apply the focus and determination he acquired as a professional footballer to helping others beat blood cancer.

“Since being diagnosed with leukaemia I’ve been on a journey and met many wonderful people, including doctors, patients and fundraisers,” says Geoff.

Geoff quickly realised that more life-saving treatments are needed to save more lives. Geoff discovered that these drugs are being developed but patients cannot receive them because of difficulties in setting up clinical trials that make these drugs available to patients.

In 2007 he set up the Geoff Thomas Foundation to campaign and raise money for increased access to life-saving treatments through clinical trials.

Geoff now works in partnership with Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research to continue his goal to beat blood cancer.