Geoff and his Europa Quality Print New York Marathon team have won the backing of marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe

Radcliffe, who is also competing in New York on Nov 2nd, said: “New York is one of the toughest marathons in the world but Geoff faced a tough fight in beating cancer, so I'm sure he and the team will have the grit and determination to cross the line.  I admire Geoff's courage and the fact that he's now working so hard to save the lives of other blood cancer sufferers.  New York will be a test of his stamina and I wish him and the team all the very best."

Team GTF/EQP includes two former pro-cyclists.  Irishman, Stephen Roche, (right) Tour de France winner and World Champion in 1987 and Brian Smith, a British cycling champion.

The team will be running in New York to raise money for the Geoff Thomas Foundation which is aiming to raise £20 million to save lives by funding blood cancer drug trials at six specialist centres in the UK.

“I have watched many fellow patients lose their battle with blood cancer and I can’t watch my friends die and do nothing.   Lance Armstrong was a huge inspiration to me and it has always been my ambition to go to America and have a team running in New York,” said Thomas, who will also be joined by his wife, Julie, and some of Britain’s top football writers.

“Julie has always been a fantastic support to me.  She’s been training really hard for New York and it looks like she will beat me to the line,” Thomas said.

Roche, who will be running his first marathon, said: “Training for the marathon is hurting me but I know there are people who are hurting even more.  I have a choice about whether I run in the New York Marathon.  I am healthy enough to do it and in doing so I can raise funds and awareness for people who are less well off physically and have no choice."

The team has received training tips from Steve Cram, the former 1500m world champion and BBC marathon commentator.  Cram said: “Geoff’s battle with cancer and his subsequent fund-raising are a real inspiration.  I really admire the way that Geoff is determined to make a difference and campaign for better treatment for blood cancer patients.  Geoff is a fighter, someone who doesn’t give up and that’s just what you need when running the New York Marathon."

The team sponsor Europa Quality Print is an eco-friendly print and design company based at Woolwich Arsenal in south London.   Managing director, Kevin Ibrahim, said: “Geoff is an inspirational leader and is working hard to try to save the lives of blood cancer sufferers.  We can all learn from his determination and our company is extremely proud to be part of Geoff’s team.”