Jane ends first leg of cycle trek

Jane Tomlinson has run a series of gruelling races

Cancer sufferer Jane Tomlinson has finished the first leg of her gruelling 2,500-mile Rome to Home bike ride.

The 40-year-old from Rothwell, Leeds, cycled 60 miles to Viterbo on a tandem with brother Luke Goward, 38.

The pair were given a noisy send off from St Peter's Square by the city's mayor and cheering school children.

"It was very, very hard...we climbed over 2,000ft," the mother-of-three said. She aims to raise £1m for a range of charities on the 35-day tour.

"We didn't know what to expect before but we do now," she added.

I feel a bit easier now I have seen her finish the first day Jane Tomlinson's husband, Mike

Mrs Tomlinson had been feeling extremely unwell the day before the bike ride but said the pain from her cancer had eased since Monday morning's start.

Mrs Tomlinson's husband Mike, who is watching her progress on his television at home, reported numerous donations to her charity appeal on their web site since they set off.

"It's fantastic and it really makes it worthwhile when we raise the money," he said from his home in Leeds.

"I feel a bit easier now I have seen her finish the first day. The duration, 35 days, is a long time and I don't know how long she will be able to stand it. I'm really proud of her," he added.

The first week of the trip will take them through most of Italy

Mrs Tomlinson's first week of cycling takes her through Italy, before heading into Monaco and France.

The journey includes an average daily ride of 75 miles with a few long days of 120 miles.

The trek includes a ride up the 6,555ft Mont Ventoux - one of the legendary climbs of the Tour de France.

Mrs Tomlinson hopes to arrive in Monaco on 13 May, before setting off to Paris which she hopes to reach on 26 May.

She is due back home in Leeds on 7 June.

Heroic fundraiser

Since being diagnosed with terminal cancer three-and-a-half years ago, Mrs Tomlinson has defied doctors who told her she had only months to live.

During that time she has made a name for herself as a fundraiser.

Her previous challenges - three marathons, a triathlon and a 1,060 mile bike ride - have raised more than £500,000 for good causes.

She has also received numerous honours, including an MBE from the Queen.