Former England footballer promotes medical research (From Oxford Mail)

Former England footballer promotes medical research

7:13pm Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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A FORMER England footballer has stressed the importance of getting involved with scientific reearch.

Cancer survivor and ex-Crystal Palace captain, Geoff Thomas spoke at an open session hosted by the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital, last night.

Mr Thomas, who was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia in 2003, shared his experiencves of the disease, and spoke about how to help beat it.

Mr Thomas’ life was saved by a bone marrow transplant from his sister. The experience led him to set up the Geoff Thomas Foundation, which makes sure scientific research is applied at patients’ bedsides.

Among the items on display at the open day was mobile phone technology which can help cancer patients. The application, which can also help those who have had a stroke or suffer from diabetes, helps people manage their condition, and can alert a nurse for help if severe side-effects are picked up.