Tributes for 'inspirational' Jane

Jane Tomlinson obituary

Tributes have flooded in for fundraiser Jane Tomlinson, after she lost her seven-year battle with terminal cancer aged 43.

Family, friends, politicians and the charities that benefited from the £1.75m she raised through a series of gruelling challenges have honoured her.

The married mother-of-three died at St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds on Monday.

Mrs Tomlinson's family said they were "heartbroken". Prime Minister Gordon Brown said she had "amazing spirit".

Mrs Tomlinson, of Rothwell, Leeds, was told in 2000 her metastatic breast cancer was incurable and that she had just six months to live.

She then dedicated her life to raising money for charity, going on to complete a number of fundraising challenges, including the Great North Run, London Marathon and the Ironman UK Triathlon.

She was made a CBE for charitable services in June.

Mrs Tomlinson's husband Mike and children Suzanne, Rebecca and Steven said: "We are, as a family, heartbroken at this loss but we know this extends to all her family and friends.

HAVE YOUR SAY She was quite simply a remarkable woman. My sincere condolences go to her family Helen, Cirencester Send us your comments

"Jane has always said her family has been the greatest joy in life and we feel honoured to have been blessed with such a wonderful person.

"The weight of this burden has been immense on all of us, but primarily Jane.

"We hope she is now at peace from the pain that has accompanied her for so long."

Charities helped by Mrs Tomlinson described their sadness at the news of her death.

Maureen Rutter, from Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "Jane was a remarkable woman whose amazing physical feats inspired many people living with cancer.

"She refused to lie down and be beaten, this small and very humble woman was a real powerhouse and I think she will always be remembered for her courage, conviction and sheer determination when faced with adversity."

Samia al Qadhi, from Breast Cancer Care, said: "She was told she had a terminal condition yet dealt with it in the most courageous way. What she achieved was extraordinary."

At Downing Street on Tuesday, Mr Brown paid his tribute.

Prime Minister pays tribute In pictures: Jane in action

He said: "We will remember her amazing spirit and strength and that exceptional charity work, and she will be a daily inspiration to our generation to fight on against the terrible scourge of cancer."

Tory leader David Cameron said he had "long admired" Mrs Tomlinson's "selfless and inspiring work".

Ryan Bowd and Martyn Hollingworth, Mrs Tomlinson's co-riders on her epic 4,200 mile bike ride across America said she was an "ordinary woman who did amazing things".

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, where Mrs Tomlinson trained and worked as a radiographer, said her friends and colleagues there felt "a tremendous sense of collective sorrow".

And officials from Leeds City Council and the Bishop of Leeds said Mrs Tomlinson had won a special place in the hearts of the residents of her home city, who were invited to sign a book of condolence.

Mrs Tomlinson's family said details of her funeral would be announced in the near future.