In 2003 I met a woman called Jane Tomlinson at a charity event and I wanted to share a little of her inspirational story with you in the hope that it will inspire you as it has me.
In 1991 Mrs.Tomlinson was first diagnosed as having breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy,but in 2000 the cancer returned and she was diagnosed a suffering from a terminal form of the illness and given only six months to live.
Instead of giving in and waiting for the worst she decided to embark on a truly remarkable series of challenges to raise awareness and importantly funds for various cancer charities and support groups.
In 2002 she took part in the London Marathon in April, a triathlon in August and the Great North Run in October.
In 2003 she cycled the length of Great Britain from John O'Groats to Land's End (1060 miles),receiving chemotherapy en route.So delighted was she with this achievement she then went on to run that years London Marathon,before returning to her job as a paediatric radiographer.
She was also awarded with an MBE by the Queen at Buckingham Palace in this year,and went on to become the only cancer patient to complete a full Ironman triathlon,comprising a 2.4 mile swim,a 112 mile cycle ride followed by a 26 mile marathon.
In the summer of 2006 Mrs Tomlinson cycled across the United States,from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge to Brooklyn Bridge in New York City,taking 63 days and covering a distance distance of 3700 miles.
In total this amazing woman raised more than £1.5 million for cancer charities and in June this year(2007) she was awarded the CBE in the Queens birthday honours awards for her outstanding work,this was in addition to countless high profile awards she received from various other organizations.

Yesterday,Jane Tomlinson passed away,seven years after being told she had months to live.She leaves behind a loving family,and in me as well as many others a sense of deep respect and admiration for her selfless and truly inspirational work.
Peace.

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