A true Champion
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.
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JANE RECEIVED NUMEROUS AWARDS FOR HER EFFORTS INCLUDING:
- AN MBE AND SUBSEQUENTLY A CBE BY THE QUEEN
- THE HELEN ROLLASON AWARD AT THE BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARDS IN 2002
- TWICE RECOGNISED AT THE SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
- A GREAT BRITON AWARD
- VOTED THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN IN BRITAIN IN 2003.
- A PRIDE OF BRITAN AWARD IN 2005
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.
Jane efforts also raised over £1,850,000 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.
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, which is truly remarkable for a new event of this type, and raising a staggering £500,000+ for charities and good causes.
Jane sadly lost her battle with cancer and passed away in September 2007. As a plain-talking, strongwilled Yorkshirewoman Jane above all else considered herself a wife and mother simply trying to make the most of the life she knew would inevitably end prematurely. The radiant, triumphant smile Jane wore across every finish line, regardless of her physical pain, has given hope, encouragement and inspiration to thousands. Jane's personal efforts raised over £1,850,000 for children's and cancer charities.
For All Events is Jane's fundraising legacy. Today, For All Events hosts mass participation runs, walks and swims across Yorkshire and beyond and continues to raise fantastic sums for charities and good causes.
Jane's Fundraising Challenges
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I'm delighted to support the Leeds 10k. Jane, a Sparks vice-president herself, was a truly inspirational figure who became our biggest-ever individual fundraiser.
Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE
Four-time Olympic Gold Medallist
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I was lucky enough to call Jane a friend and like many was touched by her determination and drive to make a difference to many millions of people's lives, despite battling with her own cruel illness.
Steve Cram OBE
Olympic Silver Medalist
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Jane's unwavering determination, strength courage and selflessness in the face of adversity is an inspiration to each and every one of us. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to play a part in making sure that Jane's memory and legacy lives in the great work of the Appeal
Chrissie Wellington
Four time World Ironman Champion
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Jane has led the way on many occasions with inspirational feats that have left us all in awe of her absolute determination and keen desire to help others.
Nell McAndrew
Jane Tomlinson Appeal Patron
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"It is a huge honour for me to be a patron of Jane Tomlinson Appeal. Jane was such a very special person. Her bravery, courage and strength were a huge inspiration to me and I am sure to so many others. She fought cancer every step with such passion and positivity."
Paula Radcliffe MBE
