GEOFF THOMAS FOUNDATION VIRTUAL TOUR DE FRANCE
Former England and Crystal Palace footballer, Geoff Thomas, is calling on the nation’s cyclists to join him in riding the Virtual Tour de France to raise funds for the Geoff Thomas Foundation.
Pictured: Geoff Thomas in Paris and riding the Tour de France route in 2007
Thomas has twice ridden the route of the Tour de France to raise funds for the GTF which is trying to fund blood cancer nurses at six hospitals in Birmingham, Nottingham, Oxford, Cambridge, London and Manchester. The Foundation also campaigns for improved treatment for blood cancer patients.
The Tour de France is a 2,175 mile test of spirit, strength and endurance and now, between April and September 09, cyclists across Britain can take part in this epic ride with the GTF.
The idea is for friends and work colleagues to ride the Tour de France distance on exercise bikes in the gym or out on the road on their bikes. Teams can share the 2,175 miles and the GTF has created a number of options for covering the cycling marathon this summer. The challenge has to be completed over three weeks.
Thomas, who to date has raised around £1million, said: “Since riding the Tour de France lots of people have told me they’d like to have a go but they haven’t got the time to do the whole route themselves. With the GTF Virtual Tour de France, it’s possible to share and complete the Tour distance at home with your mates and have some fun while doing it. We’re hoping people will be able to get sponsorship for their assault on the Tour mileage and help improve treatment for blood cancer patients.”
Prizes, including a visit from Geoff Thomas or an England rugby international player, will be up for grabs for the top two fundraising teams. All teams entering the challenge will receive a GTF cycling jersey signed by Geoff and a signed copy of his book ‘Riding Through the Storm’.
The GTF Virtual Tour de France is being supported by Warwick-based Towergate tlc, part of the Towergate Partnership, Europe’s largest independent insurance intermediary. The company is helping with recruiting teams and providing prizes. Managing director, Andy Smallwood, said: "We are really pleased to be supporting Geoff Thomas in the 2009 Virtual Tour De France. It's a great way to get together with friends and colleagues and get fit this summer. It's also a positive way to raise money to help people with blood cancer."
Anyone wishing to join the GTF Virtual Tour de France should contact:
becky@geoffthomasfoundation.com
Or call 07796 681299 for a full fundraising pack.
The GTF Virtual Tour de France is supported by:
