According to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal web site: 

"Jane Tomlinson CBE raised £1.85m for children’s and cancer charities before her untimely death from cancer aged just 43 in 2007. She made headlines across the world by competing in a series of epic endurance challenges from the London Marathon, IRONMAN and triathlon competitions, to a 4,200 mile cycle ride across the width of the USA – despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer. The Jane Tomlinson Appeal was set up in her name to support children’s and cancer charities across the North and Midlands. In 2016 we awarded over £182,000 in grants to deserving causes and have raised over £7 million to date."

What I find so special about the Jane Tomlinson Appeal is that is gives grants to smaller projects; typically each grant is for about £10,000.  These important projects address the specific needs of a certain group of patients who might be missed by larger organisations.  Similarly, grants are allocated to research projects, which focus on a very unique angle of cancer research.  These projects are able to apply to the Appeal  and receive much needed financial support. 

When training for Ironman Zürich in 2013, I came across a black and white photo of a woman crossing the finishing line of a Half Ironman.  I would often look at this photo as I re-read my triathlon books.  I carried this image in my head on my long runs and bike rides.  I could not lay my finger on it but this woman exuded, in that photo the energy and commitment that I was striving for. Her determination was contagious.  It was not until years later when researching for a book on Ironwomen, that I read Jane Tomlinson’s story.  I was in awe of her and all that she had achieved, despite her terminal illness.  Simple respect for Jane as an athlete and someone driven to change lives, was enough to make me want to run for her appeal.   

As with all of these requests, any amount will make a difference. Thank you so much for reading this, Tiffany

Recent grants have been allocated to: 

Brainstrust, Cancer Help (Preston), Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, Hull Children's University, Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust, The Lymphoma Association, Noah's Ark Counselling Service, Shine, The Sick Children's Trust, SNAPS, Star Bereavement Wakefield and WHISH.