Thomas is aiming to raise �20m in aid of leukaemia research

Torquay's Chris Todd has been tipped to return to football after leukaemia by former England midfielder and survivor of the disease Geoff Thomas.

Last week Todd, 27, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia - the same illness Thomas contracted eight months after retiring from the game.

Thomas told BBC Radio Devon: "I spoke to Chris and he sounds very positive. That's the main thing at this stage."

Todd signed for Torquay in May 2007 after spending four years at Exeter.

He will now begin his treatment with Thomas expecting Todd to be on the drug Glivec to help fight the blood cancer.

"I know people that are on it and they live a healthy life and I think it's up to him now to get out there training," he said.

But Thomas concedes that Todd is one of the youngest people he had heard of to contract the disease.

"I don't think it's affected anybody so young at 27 to be diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, especially a professional footballer or sportsman."

Thomas has set up the Geoff Thomas Foundation to help raise money and awareness into the illness.

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