Jane Tomlinson loses cancer fight

Jane Tomlinson obituary

Terminal cancer sufferer Jane Tomlinson has died aged 43, following a seven-year battle with the disease.

The married mother-of-three, who was made CBE for charitable services in June, had raised £1.75m in a series of gruelling challenges.

She died at St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds at 2100 BST on Monday.

Her husband Mike and children Suzanne, Rebecca and Steven said they were heartbroken but "honoured to have been blessed with such a wonderful person".

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.

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

In a statement her family said: "We are, as a family, heartbroken at this loss but we know this extends to all her family and friends.

"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."

Prime Minister pays tribute In pictures: Jane in action

In June 2006 Mrs Tomlinson set off on her toughest fundraising challenge, cycling 4,200 miles across the US.

Following the nine-week bike ride, she decided to stop taking part in major fundraising events and spend more time with her family.

In June 2007 about 8,000 runners took part in a 10km race through Leeds, organised by Mrs Tomlinson.

Though she was too ill to take part, she signalled the start of the charity run and waved every participant over the starting line.

Her family said they remained committed to continuing her work for the charities she supported, and would continue to organise the Leeds 10k.

They said: "Everyone who knew Jane felt there was an invincibility about her, but we always knew that this day was inevitable.

"As a family we are humbled to have lived with such a great person who we will always love.

"Seven years ago her aim was to leave us with fantastic memories. None of us expected how fantastic those would be."