We would like to pay tribute to Jane Tomlinson who died recently aged 43. Jane was originally treated for breast cancer in 1991 at the age of 26, however, the disease returned and in spite of undergoing further treatment she was told in 2000 that the disease had spread to her bones and lungs and was given about 12 months to live.
Her reaction was to embark on a series of marathons and athletic challenges to raise money for charity, she completed the appropriately named “Race for Life” in May 2001 and went on to complete both the London marathon and the London Triathlon in 2002, becoming the first person with incurable cancer to do so. She took up endurance cycling going from John o’ Groats to Land’s End and Rome to Leeds, distances in excess of 1000 and 2000 miles respectively. Her final major challenge was to cycle 4200 miles across the U S in 2006.
In total she raised more £1.5 million for charity. She has received many awards over the last six years for her outstanding efforts and example to us all. She is an outstanding example of the power of the mind to overcome limitations of the body and to confound the expectations of others. I can think of no other story better able to inspire positive beliefs and action when faced with a terminal diagnosis. In her words “Death doesn’t arrive with the prognosis.”
Go to www.janesappeal.com should you wish to make a donation or find out more about her life.
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