Jane Tomlinson charity raises £7.6m

THE charity set up in the name of fundraiser Jane Tomlinson has raised £7.6m, her family have said.

The money raised has helped scores of charities from children’s hospices, cancer related causes and hospitals across the region continue their vital work.

Tomlinson’s daughter Rebecca said: “We’re just thrilled – it’s a fantastic amount to have raised and beyond all expectations.

“It’s hugely important to all of us that the work Mum started is continuing today and we hope her legacy will carry on for many years to come.”

Before Tomlinson’s death in 2007 she had raised a total of £1.8m through a series of incredible endurance challenges including cycling Rome to Home, running the New York Marathon, completing the Florida Ironman and finally the ‘Ride Across America’.

She was aged 36 when, in August 2000 she and her family received the devastating news that she had been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. Over the next seven years she captured the attention of the world through her achievements as she outlived her initial six month prognosis. With seemingly endless reserves of determination and courage she completed incredible challenges to raise money to help others through Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

One of Tomlinson’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 and her family knew her time was limited and so in 2007 launched Run For All and the Leeds 10K, the first in a series of events to be launched over the next few years to stand as Jane’s legacy.

Now nine years down the line, through its five 10ks, two half marathons, marathon and junior runs the charity and its event partner charities have raised a total of £7.6m.

Rebecca Tomlinson added: “It means we have been able to support so many good causes and charities, especially some small local charities who often don’t receive support elsewhere – and particularly in the current climate where charities have seen a real drop in income.

“We’d like to thank each and every person and organisation who has helped us along the way, whether that was through fundraising, through helping at the events, taking on individual challenges or supporting us in another way. We couldn’t have done it without them and we’re extremely grateful.”