S1 Ep7 Geoff Thomas - ex footballer on finding resilience after a life-changing leukaemia diagnosis

Today's guest is Geoff Thomas, leukaemia survivor, former Crystal Palace(amongst others) and England footballer and incredible charity fund-raiser.Geoff is about to head off on his 7th trip to ride the Tour de France route...and aims to raise another £1 million pounds for Cure Leukaemia.He speaks with Annie and Josie in the week when Crystal Palace won the FA Cup. Geoff was a special guest, having captained the side on their last Cup Final appearance.Geoff tells us he was training to be an electrician when he was spotted by a football scout and signed for Rochdale. A move to Port Vale followed before the signficant transfer to Crystal Palace. He talks about recovering from a career-threatening injury. He retired from football in 2002 but just a year later was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, a form of blood cancer. Geoff was given three months to live but after receiving pioneering stem cell treatment and a transplant from his sister Kay, he went in to remission.Geoff talks to Annie and Josie about his resilience and where he drew his strength from after such a shocking prognosis. His mantra is just dig in.In 2015 he was persuaded to do a charity bike ride on the Tour de France route. He hadn't ridden since he was 7. It was gruelling. But he's done it many times since and this year is the 20th anniversary of that first ride.His efforts and charity fund-raising saw him awarded the MBE and winning the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.Here are details of his Tour de France adventureswww.thetour21.co.ukAnd London to Parishttps://www.l2prevolution.com/The Be Braver Podcast is presented by Annie Emmerson and Dr Josie Perry.Annie is a former international triathlete and world champion. She's now a broadcaster and motivational speaker. She left school and education at the age of 15 after a family breakdown and that's led to a life of self-improvement.She had a transition from party-girl to a life with purpose after being robbed at knife point. She talks candidly about how she has redefined herself several times.Josie Perry's life first changed when she failed in her A levels which ended her plans to go and study law at a top university. She worked in journalism and communications before becoming passionate about performance psychology which led to a complete career change.So what's your purpose? What's your why? How can we help you on your journey?Thanks for listening!The Be Braver Podcast - because life is not a dress rehearsal. Insta: @bebraverpod