FORMER England footballer Geoff Thomas from Redditch has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

The 56-year-old has been recognised for his work in raising funds for cancer treatment and research through the Geoff Thomas Foundation, having been diagnosed with leukaemia himself in 2003.

Following treatment from Professor Charlie Craddock, Cure Leukaemia's co-founder and director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit at the Queen Elizabeth (QE) Hospital, Mr Thomas has been in remission since 2005.

Since then, the former Wolves midfielder, who lives in Inkberrow, has worked tirelessly to raise money for treatment, research and awareness for blood cancer.

Redditch Advertiser: Geoff Thomas has previously cycled the Tour de France route to raise money for a cancer charity Geoff Thomas has previously cycled the Tour de France route to raise money for a cancer charity

On Twitter, Mr Thomas said: "I am honoured, proud and humbled to be awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

"I owe my life to the expertise of Professor Charlie Craddock, along with many doctors and nurses who treated me during my fight against leukaemia.

"They are the real heroes, the true stars who do not always get the recognition for their dedication, professionalism and compassion.

"This MBE is dedicated to them."

The ex-footballer is now planning to lead a team of 25 amateur cyclists on the 3,384-kilometre Tour de France route one week before the professionals set off in aid of Cure Leukaemia.

Also in the Queen's Birthday Honours, Redditch resident Michael John Hopkins, who is principal of South and City College in Birmingham, was awarded an MBE for services to education.

Elsewhere in Worcestershire, Craig Browne from Droitwich was awarded the BEM for services to charitable fundraising and volunteering during Covid-19.

Tonia Enderbury from Kidderminster has received the BEM for services to the community in Droitwich Spa.