Trivia

Jane's efforts raised over £1,500,000 for charities including Macmillan Cancer Relief, SPARKS, Damon Runyon Cancer Research, Yorkshire Cancer Centre, Martin House Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice and Hannah House.

In recognition of her efforts, the laboratory at Cancer Research UK's Clinical Centre at St James's Hospital in Leeds, was re-named the Jane Tomlinson Laboratory in May 2003.

Honours and Accolades

Bio

Jane Tomlinson worked as a paediatric radiographer in Leeds. Her life changed forever when, in 1991, she was first diagnosed as having breast cancer.

Though she underwent a mastectomy, the cancer returned and in 2000 she was told that it was terminal. The disease spread was extensive and the prognosis was for her to survive six months. Over a seven year period, Jane fought through numerous courses of chemotherapy and various drug regimes despite also developing chronic heart disease.

Even though her cancer was incurable, Jane Tomlinson refused to give in, preferring instead to undertake a series of challenges which would normally tax even the most physically fit person.

During this period Jane, a mother of three from Leeds, took on a series of apparently impossible challenges, for someone suffering from cancer and undergoing chemotherapy treatment, including a full Ironman (4km Swim, 180Km bike ride and full marathon - completed inside 17 hours), two half Ironmans, the London Marathon three times, the New York Marathon, three London Triathlons and three long distance bike rides - John O Groats to Lands End, Rome to Home and her final huge challenge a 6781.8 km ride across America.

One of Jane's motives was to show that people with a terminal prognosis can still lead an active and fruitful life and proclaimed "Death doesn't arrive with the prognosis." She proved beyond all doubt to be true to her word and with her uncompromising drive, unwavering determination and supreme bravery Jane provided true inspiration and genuine hope to a great many people.

Despite finally having to retire from competition at the end of 2006 Jane channelled her remaining energies into an event which is destined to provide a legacy for many years to come - The Leeds 10k "Run For All." The first event was held in June 2007 and was a fantastic success attracting 8,000 participants. With plans to grow the event year on year this is destined to be one of Britain's major sporting spectacles and will help ensure Jane's Appeal will continue to raise substantial funds for Cancer and Children's Charities.

Jane lost her battle with cancer at St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds on 3rd September 2007.Jane Tomlinson always looked upon herself as just an ordinary woman with cancer but her extraordinary tenacity touched the lives of people around the world.