Charity fundraiser Jane Tomlinson has died following a long battle against cancer.
The mother-of-three refused to let the disease get in the way of raising £1.75m for good causes after she was diagnosed with the disease seven years ago.
How will you remember this inspirational woman?
Written by Sky News, September 04, 2007






The world is a much sadder and emptier place when people like Jane leave it. The courage inspiration and selflessness that she showed in the face of tradedy. was
excepional and remarkable
Posted by: West Midlands Sep 28, 2007 1:01:10 AM
My son died od cancer in 2005, and what i find amazing with both him and Jane the shear courage and determination that someone suffering with cancer has. I'm so sorry to hear of Janes Death, and I hope her family will soon come to realise that she is now at peace with the angels in Heaven. I hope her family will soon be able to come to terms with her passing, and i wish them all the luck in the future with the rest of thier lives.
Posted by: Mary Adams North Lincs Sep 25, 2007 6:47:15 PM
Incredibly sad news. I hope her family find the strength to deal with their massive loss. RIP Jane.
Posted by: Deborah do Carmo, Algarve Portugal Sep 10, 2007 10:11:33 AM
While it's sad that Jane has died and I'm not arguing about all the money she raised for charity but I wonder how her family feel about all the time she spent away from them when she was given such a short time to live? Just a thought.
Posted by: Carlo, Edinburgh Sep 8, 2007 1:54:40 AM
I was diagnosed with B/C in 2004 ,I read Janes book and she gave me strenghth and inspiration.what an amazing woman ,the things she done ,the money she raised Her family must be so proud of her .I send my condolences to them and to let them know i am thinking of them
R.I.P Jane- you will never be forgottenxx
Posted by: Jackie,Fife Sep 7, 2007 11:20:14 PM
Such a sad loss of a truly remarkable brave woman I hope all those people that accused Jane of being a fake now feel thoroughly ashamed of themselves both my parents died of cancer and i have seen first hand how differently it affects different people. God Bless Jane. Rest in peace.
Posted by: karen, aylesbury Sep 7, 2007 5:06:18 PM
I was so sad to hear of the death of Jane. Even though everyone knew it was inevitable it was still a big shock. I thought by keeping in good physical shape that she would keep the decease at bay for longer. It just shows the strength of her decease. It was incredible what she did in these last years of her life. It just shows what an exceptional human being Jane was. She decided that she was not going to take her impending death laying down and stood up and fought with all her heart. She is an enormous role model to everyone. What a truly brave woman she was. I will miss following her achievements and my heart aches for her family.
Posted by: Jacqueline, Portugal Sep 5, 2007 7:02:33 PM
I am absolutely gutted to hear that Jane has passed away. What an amazing woman!! One in a million! May you rest in peace after all your hard work here on earth. Thinking of your lovely family at this very difficult time.
Posted by: Maureen, London Sep 5, 2007 3:05:28 PM
Jane you will never be forgotten. As a runner myself you inspired me when the going got tough. Rest in peacenow that you are free from pain. Just hope that we meet in heaven one day for Gods Marathon.
Posted by: Brian Dunbar, Dundee Sep 5, 2007 11:30:14 AM
I just want to say how much of an inspiration Jane was when I was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer. She didn't know it but she helped me get through a very tough time and made me feel determined to get better also.
Jane, you will always be in my heart. Big hugs to your family. They can be truly proud of all you have achieved. You will never be forgotten.
Posted by: Sharon Morgan, Wales Sep 5, 2007 10:56:54 AM
Jane, you were an inspiration to all! Your determination and incredible positive attitude will be your everlasting legacy! I am a huge admirer of yours and feel sad that your incredible journey on earth has come to an end. My thoughts and prayers are with your family who have supported you in such an incredible way. God Bless!
Posted by: Janine Dubai Sep 5, 2007 10:46:20 AM
Such a sad loss to every one i read her first book and it gives you such an insite to how much pain Jane was going through but she just kept going thinking of others and not herself she will be sadly missed im thinking of her family at this time god bless.
Posted by: Gary Hill. Hyde Sep 5, 2007 8:28:48 AM
How can anyone complain about things that life throws at us. Jane showed us that life is precious and we should make the most of it while we can. Truly an inspiration to us all. Her family although now sad can be so proud to have had her in their life.
Posted by: Jakki, Saudi Arabia Sep 5, 2007 8:16:33 AM
I lost my nan to cancer 3 weeks ago. And my heart goes out to Jane's family and friends. My thoughts are with you all.
Jane was an amazing insperation to me when my nan had cancer. To keep strong and keep smiling. She is an insperation to everyone round the world. I will miss you.
Rest in peace Jane
Posted by: Melanie Bennett Sep 4, 2007 11:51:03 PM
such a sad loss
what is our loss is heavens gain
many sympathies to the family
RIP jane what you have done has inspired millions
god bless
mik
Posted by: mik, gateshead Sep 4, 2007 11:22:05 PM
I am saddended by the news of the passing of jane she was a amazing human being,such a wonderfull brave and caring person, it is a loss to us all ,my sypathys go out to the fammily but allways be very proud of you wife and mum she was a very very special lady.
Posted by: Neil Goddard doncaster Sep 4, 2007 10:17:02 PM
A great feeling of sadness came over me today when I hear the news of Jane's death on the car radio. I followed her achievements and events always in the news, on TV and in the Yorkshire Post who supported her sterling work at every opportunity. My friend was recently diagnosed with cancer and given 6 months to live, Jane's name has been mentioned more times than ever as she has made it possible to think you can do something to beat the predictions. She was a true heroine and one that will never be forgotten. I extend deepest sympathy to her family and friends and pray for them.
Posted by: trish, huddersfield Sep 4, 2007 9:54:28 PM
Jane was an inspiration to many. She achieved more than most people could ever dream. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jane's family and my wish is that she will continue to be an inspiration to people. this cruel disease killed a wonderful women, but without her fundraising efforts the cure for cancer would be even further away. Don't let her efforts be in vain - continue to fundraise for these wonderful charities. God Bless Jane, run on the clouds now in heaven.
Posted by: Michelle, London Sep 4, 2007 8:32:35 PM
If God made anything better than Jane he kept it too himself
Posted by: tommy in windsor Sep 4, 2007 8:11:39 PM
What a wonderful lady, a true inspiration. I was very sad to hear of her death and feel deeply for those left behind. She showed great courage and determination and will continue to inspire many people. What a legacy to leave behind and certainly makes me look to my life and how I can be a better person and fulfill my life to its fullest potential. My love to all Jane's family and friends. You are very much in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. xxxxx
Posted by: Jo Oxfordshire Sep 4, 2007 8:00:02 PM
Jane,although we never met you were one of my reasons for completing the London Marathon.
God bless your family. May they continue your work.
Nicola and Ricky
Posted by: nicola allan Sep 4, 2007 7:41:49 PM
I was deeply saddened to here of Janes passing. There is no justice in this world. Jane is an inspiration to us all.Mike must have known Jane was special when they married but he could have had no idea of what a truely exceptional human being she was.You and the children can be very proud of her.
God Bless You All!
Posted by: Alan Gateshead Sep 4, 2007 7:33:59 PM
I have watched Jane jog passed my house daily in preparation for her races and I have watched her barely able to walk up the street after treatments and even in her last couple of months she was giving support & comfort to a neighbour also battling Cancer. She was not only an inspiration but a very nice lady. God bless you Jane
Posted by: Marie, Rothwell Leeds Sep 4, 2007 5:44:19 PM
I feel very sad and my thoughts go out to her family and friends. She was such a brave woman, a true fighter who never would give up for the sake of her family. She never complained and all through her many treatments remained positive and cheery.
May she rest in peace.
God Bless
Posted by: Stefania Sep 4, 2007 5:43:14 PM
The very sad death of the unforgettable Jane Tomlinson is made even sadder by the inablity/unwillingness of the Government to have recognised this national hero properly!
Gongs and awards are handed out like confetti to government benefactors, civil servants and industrialists while a person lauded throughout the world dies without even a DBE. So sad that it is a DISGRACE!
Posted by: David Woolmer,St.Albans Sep 4, 2007 5:27:19 PM
for the definition of Britishness- see Jane Tomlinson. a true Brit if ever there was. She had the heart of a Lion. God bless her and her family. They say you only ever really die if people forget you, well theres no chance of that!!!
Posted by: adrian durham Sep 4, 2007 5:23:19 PM
To all those who have ever doubted her genuinity, today she has proven them wrong. She battled on against the odds and despite her illness, pushed herself to the max for the good of others. Deepest sympathy goes to her family who have always stood on the side-line encouraging her through her highs and lows. God rest her soul.
Posted by: Maria Vella. Malta Sep 4, 2007 4:12:49 PM
An inspiration to us all. May you rest in peace and your good work continue.
Posted by: Mark, Surrey Sep 4, 2007 3:43:07 PM
She epitomised everything that is great about humanity.I will never forget her.
Posted by: Phil Usher,London,UK. Sep 4, 2007 3:30:43 PM
I was diagnosed last year with breast cancer and had a mastectomy. I was given Janes' first book to read by someone who had found it a great inspiration. I read it and then bought the second book and am hoping there will be a third. Jane was a courageous person who fought against the odds, she showed others you don't have to give up at the first hurdle. I also think that Mike, Suzanne, Rebecca and Steven are also brave people, it can be harder to watch someone you love go through what Jane went through.
RIP Jane you deserve all the accolades.
My love and best wishes go out to all the family.
Posted by: Hazel C Sep 4, 2007 3:19:34 PM
My deepest sympathies to Janes lovely family who have lost a fantastic wife and mother. She was such an inspiration to everyone. She was one brave lady, always had a smile on her face and never let the horrible disease get her down. I lost my own dad to cancer, aged 53 and know the long, hard and sad road they have ahead. She will look after her family, as I truly believe my dad is looking down and looking after us. Thinking about Janes husband and children at this very hard and sad time and I hope they will get the courage to carry on. You had such a great, brave wife/mother.
Love Leigh, Dublin, Ireland
Posted by: Leigh Duffy, Dublin, Ireland Sep 4, 2007 3:16:42 PM
I am deply saddened to hear of Jane's death. She will never be forgotten, and we'll remember her for her strength and passion for life. My deepest sympathy to her family on the loss of a woman who left us in awe. God bless you Jane. RIP xx
Posted by: Matt from Northamptonshire Sep 4, 2007 3:14:25 PM
Jane was a wonderful inspiration to me. The death of a close friend of Breast Cancer and reading her story inspired me to take up running. When I found it hard on a run I always thought of them both and was able to carry on. Thank you Jane for all you have done for so many and for letting us share your experiences. Love and best wishes to her family. There will be alot of us out there thinking of you.
Posted by: Allyson Berg, Yorkshire Sep 4, 2007 3:09:49 PM
Totally inspirational, selfless and courageous - a very special lady who touched the lives of millions in such a positive way.
My condolences to her family, who must be so proud of her.
Posted by: Keith, UK Sep 4, 2007 3:01:52 PM
Jane, a total inspiration to us all. No matter what life threw at you - you remained strong. You will be sorely missed and my thoughts are with you and your family.
RIP xx
Posted by: Dawn in Essex Sep 4, 2007 2:50:40 PM
Wonder what the nasty, little Female person who phoned here and said "she was a lier and was not dying" thinks now?
Posted by: Gary /stoke on trent Sep 4, 2007 2:49:09 PM
I was truly sorry to hear of Jane passing away during the night. I found her to be an inspirational woman whose strength knew no bounds. Her family and friends must be so proud of what she achieved in her short but unique life. May she rest in peace and her family be left to grieve for her at this sad time. God bless. xxxx
Posted by: Linda Lloyd Sep 4, 2007 2:39:58 PM
God bless, you are inspiration to all and always be remembered for your good deeds
Posted by: Dalton, Malta, Sep 4, 2007 2:22:42 PM
Very Saddened at the passing of such an inperational individual, as jane, and her family can feel great pride at her achievements.
Posted by: graham & marife, Halifax Sep 4, 2007 2:18:04 PM
You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she lived. You can
close your eyes and pray that she will come back or you can open your eyes and see all she has left. Your heart can be empty because you cant see her or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she has gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what she would want:smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
For the family and for everyone who needs some comfort.
Posted by: alex midlands Sep 4, 2007 2:17:37 PM
Such sad news. Jane was an inspiration to all.
My condolences to her family.
Posted by: Martin, HArold Hill Sep 4, 2007 2:11:34 PM
I am saddened at the news of Janes death and although it was exected in a way it is still a shock to all who knew her. My thoughts are with all her family and I shall say a prayer for them all.
Posted by: Jackie Leeds Sep 4, 2007 2:10:48 PM
Proof of a mothers determination to survive and be with her family can be found in two words - Jane Tomlinson. The good she did for others while suffering so much, her fighting spirit and that laugh, is truly an inspiration to all. Children should be taught in schools about true, good people like Jane. You will be missed by all, Lynn x
Posted by: Lynn Sep 4, 2007 2:00:59 PM
I too, followed most of Jane's achievements when I could. What an amazing woman who accomplished so much for so many in spite of her illness. Nothing could stand in her way. An inspiration to everyone, young and old. Deep sympathies to her family.
Posted by: Robyn South Africa Sep 4, 2007 1:49:27 PM
i have just heard the sad news of janes death, and i can only say i wish i had met the wonder women of leeds. i have raced ironman and long distance races, and it hrder then it looks, may god bless her soul.
Posted by: mark bugeja, malta Sep 4, 2007 1:44:40 PM
How hard you worked to raise money for such a worthwhile charity, through your pain you continued. You were truly a remarkable lady and for us all you will be remembered, for your hard work and your determination which seemed so effortless. Sweetheart you are with the angels now and they will look after you and look over your beautiful family.
Rest in peace Jane xxxxx
Posted by: Julie, Maidstone Sep 4, 2007 1:31:30 PM
As someone who's lost a parent to a terminal illness like Jane, my heart goes out to her family at this deeply sad time. To Jane's family, the pain will ease as time passes but you'll forever have amazing memories stored in your heart. Sleep well Jane.
Posted by: Emma, London Sep 4, 2007 1:02:01 PM
Jane was very sad news to hear today, you were just fantastic and achieved so much in such difficult circumstances. Your family and friends must be so incredibly proud of you. I lost my darling mum 3 years ago to Cancer, she too was such a dear, too young, and such a brave little soul - a terrible loss to us all we miss her dreadfully.
God bless you Jane such a tragic loss rest in peace
Posted by: Laura Pilfold Sep 4, 2007 12:59:52 PM
What a woman! You can use all the words for courage, determination and drive in the dictionary they would never come anywhere near describing Jane. Her family and the country should be proud of someone that should go down in legendary status.
Posted by: Mark Roberts Coventry Sep 4, 2007 12:51:30 PM
A wonderful lady with a lovely smile who battled through the pain to help others with her charity work. Rest in peace Jane. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Posted by: Jane, Bahrain Sep 4, 2007 12:47:23 PM
Having lost mt Grandfather and Brother cancer I know what the family are going through.
Jane was the envey of the world for what she did whislt she was in her last years,she was an embasador for Great Bitain as she will be dearly missed.
God Bless Her.
Posted by: Ron Cox Sep 4, 2007 12:39:17 PM
a truley amazing woman who did so much for others god bless you jane may you rest in peace
Posted by: billy Sep 4, 2007 12:34:22 PM
A lady with courage who made such an effort to help others. Truly inspirational. My condolences to her family.
Posted by: Val Yates, Retford, Notts Sep 4, 2007 12:33:55 PM
So sorry to hear of Jane's passing. Although I didn't know her personally I have followed her adventures through on Sky News. She was an amazing and very brave woman.Deepest sympathies to her family, friends and colleagues.
Posted by: JR, Durban Sep 4, 2007 12:26:08 PM
Truley saddened to hear that Jane has passed away. An insperation to us all.
Condolences to your family.
Sleep tight.
Posted by: Claire, Huddersfield Sep 4, 2007 12:21:26 PM
I hope her amazing life helps her children and husband deal with their horrible loss. You must be so proud of her acheivments, she was an inspiration to everyone and stronger than anyone else I can think of. She deserved the extra years her courage gave her, and more.
Posted by: matt, gloucester Sep 4, 2007 12:18:20 PM
I was lucky enough to correspond with Janes team over the last year and took part in her leeds run for all organised by Jane, she was there on the day cheering us all on and over the crossing line. She was an amazing lady and will be sadly missed but may her charity continue. regards to her family and friends at this sad time.
Posted by: Claire, Boston Spa, West Yorkshire Sep 4, 2007 12:11:16 PM
She was a one off. I knew her, Mike and their kids and take what you saw on the tv and magnify it 100-fold. Sleep well, God must have seen you were getting tired. I'm crying now. Bye Jane x. Gordon and Ben
Posted by: Gordon in Scunthorpe Sep 4, 2007 12:09:20 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about Jane, she was always such a smiley face and such an inspiration. Her family must be very proud of all that she achieved and all that she was.
My thoughts are with them all.
Posted by: Linda, Dublin Sep 4, 2007 12:09:18 PM
Yet another tragic moment of "Sadness" as many an "Enigma" has been eradictaed by Charity fundraiser Jane Tomlinson, who has died following a long battle against cancer
Posted by: Khalid Sep 4, 2007 11:46:16 AM
What a tragedy. This lady was anAn inspiration to us all and this is indeed a sad loss. My very best wishes to the family.Hopefully their sadness and loss will be tempered by feelings of pride in time.
Posted by: Bill Nicol, Suffolk Sep 4, 2007 11:39:40 AM
What a woman ! in this world of couch potatoes,Kids who never get any exercise,people who moan about the slightest discomfort,she was a breath of fresh air we could all learn a lot from her fine example,Jane Tomlinson,Lance Armstrong,my greatest heroes.
Posted by: DENNIS HERTS Sep 4, 2007 11:33:14 AM
My mum died of cancer in July last year having battled it for over 20 years. She always admired Jane and i believe they met at various events over the years. My mum raised thousands of pounds for cancer research over the years too and we still fund raise in her memory by taking part in Race for Life and a number of other activities. Jane was obviously a wonderful lady who was much loved by her family just as my mum was. I was 25 when mummy died and i think of her every minute but i know she is out of pain now and that brings me much comfort as i hope it does to Jane's family. Her courage and strength will live on in her family as my mum's does in ours.
Posted by: Lucy, London Sep 4, 2007 11:26:45 AM
Jane I think you was brilliant in everything you achieved.
Even though you were going through so much pain you still fought hard against it and we should all be proud of you.
Rest in piece Jane.
Posted by: andy Nottingham Sep 4, 2007 11:21:47 AM
Such sad news. Jane was an inspiration to all.
My condolences to her family.
Posted by: Jane Lancashire Sep 4, 2007 11:12:41 AM