Former Wolves captain and England international Geoff Thomas MBE is sure to provide a powerful night of reflections from his career and his life at the Cleveland Arms this October.
Thomas, who made over 550 career first team appearances and captained Crystal Palace to the 1990 FA Cup Final, as well as picking up nine caps for England, will be quizzed by former Wolves goalkeeper Matt Murray in a night raising funds for Wolves Former Player Association’s work in the local community.
Back in 2003, just a year after his career came to an end, Thomas was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, at one point being given three months to live and then three years with the right treatment.
Ultimately it was a bone marrow transplant from sister Kay that helped Thomas recover and to still be going strong today, but simply going into remission was never going to be enough for the now 58-year-old.
Thomas wanted to give back, and in the years since his diagnosis has thrown himself tirelessly into supporting patients with leukaemia, notably taking on some incredible cycling challenges which have helped raise millions of pounds for the Cure Leukaemia charity which helps patients receive life-saving clinical trials which are not available on the NHS.
His is an incredible and inspirational story, and a must-listen for guests at the Cleveland on the evening of October 6th.
“I always talk about Wolves being one of the most frustrating times of my career because I was so excited by the move and potential of the club but, due to no fault of my own when picking up a serious knee injury, it just never panned out that way,” says Thomas.
“I have met many Wolves fans down the years since and we have shared those frustrations in thinking back to that period, and it will be great to chat to Matt and the supporters at the Cleveland to think of what might have been!
“Since finishing my career everything moved in a very different direction with my leukaemia diagnosis and, having come through that, I have made it my passion to try and help other people who receive the same devastating news as I did.
“With the help of so many other people, and now channelled through the fantastic Cure Leukaemia charity of which I am a patron, we have managed to save so many lives and it will also be great to chat about that part of my life and explain just how much of a difference is made by the donations we receive.”
Thomas’s incredible charity efforts have been recognised in many ways down the years, including receiving the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in 2005, and an MBE only last year.
Proceeds from the night at the Cleveland will go towards Wolves FPA’s work both in supporting local charities and former Wolves players who are in need of support.
“We are really grateful to Geoff and all at the Cleveland for putting on what I am sure is going to be a fantastic evening of memories both from the world of football and life in general,” says Wolves FPA Chairman John Richards.
“Geoff has a story which has inspired us all, going on from a successful football career to suffering the worst of adversities before recovering to do so much incredible work to support so many other people.
“We are really looking forward to listening to him and fans getting the chance to join Matt in asking their questions for what is sure to be an excellent night.”
- Tickets priced at £40 for VIPS to include meet and greet, priority seating, buffet and signed photo, or £15 for standard entry, are being quickly snapped up, available from the Cleveland Arms on (01902) 451021 or by visiting the website – click here.
