The Perkins Great Eastern Run has today announced the Jane
Tomlinson Appeal as its new charity partnership.
The Appeal will be the half marathon's title charity and is of
particular note as the founder had strong links to
Peterborough.
Before her death in 2007, Jane Tomlinson CBE raised £1.85 million
for children's and cancer charities through a series of physical
challenges.
Jane, who lived in Peterborough between 1986 and 1989, raised
£1.85 million for children's and cancer charities through a series
of physical challenges following her diagnosis with cancer.
She moved from Yorkshire to Orton Goldhay when husband Mike transferred to the city to work for the Yorkshire Bank. One of their daughters, Rebecca, was born in the city, and Mike said they had enjoyed their time in Peterborough.
He said: "We moved out of the city in 1989, and five months later she was diagnosed. If we had moved six months later, we might have stayed there. We enjoyed our stay there - we bought our first house, our daughter was born there and I am still in touch with friends in Peterborough.
"When we lived here I would occasionally go for a run, and Jane would laugh at me. She only started doing the activities when she was diagnosed. "She would say that anyone can do this - set yourself a goal and have a go. You might have only done a 10k before, but if you set yourself a target, you can do it.
Our aim is to give back to communities that helped us. Every penny raised on the day will go to Peterborough good causes."
Rebecca, who will be running the half marathon on Sunday 9
October 2016, said: "We're so excited that the Perkins Great
Eastern Run has chosen to support the Jane Tomlinson Appeal in
2016.
"My parents moved to Peterborough not long after they got married
and I was born there, so the city will always be really special to
me. To know that the city is helping to carry on mum's legacy now
is really touching for me.
"I'm really looking forward to being there and running the event
for myself. I've read about what a fast course it is so I'm hoping
for a PB. It would be great if people can join me by getting behind
the Appeal at this year.
"Every penny raised for the Appeal at the Perkins Great Eastern Run will be donated to charities and good causes in the local area."
Annette Joyce, service director for city services and
communications at Peterborough City Council, which organises the
race, said: "The partnership with the Jane Tomlinson Appeal is
great news for the Perkins Great Eastern Run.
"Jane was an inspirational woman who dedicated her life to
supporting charities and good causes, despite suffering from
terminal cancer.
"If you are running this year's half marathon and are looking for
a charity to raise money for then consider the Jane Tomlinson
Appeal. All proceeds raised by runners in the charity's
name will be shared between local causes."
The Appeal joins the other race partners including Anna's Hope,
the official charity of the 5km fun run.
To enter this year's race visit
www.perkinsgreateasternrun.co.uk
A series of free morning and lunchtime runs leave the
Embankment Athletics Track, in Bishop's Road, Peterborough, every
Wednesday until July 6 2016.
Morning runs are from 7.30am to 8.30am and the lunchtime sessions
from 12noon to 1pm.
