Memorial ride for cancer campaigner

Updated 11.39 Fri Jul 11 2008
Keywords: Jane's Appeal, London Marathon, Jane Tomlinson

The husband and daughter of charity campaigner Jane Tomlinson have started a memorial cycle ride for her.

Mike Tomlinson and daughter Rebecca plan to cycle 1,400 miles from John O'Groats to Land's End in three weeks. It is a similar route taken by Mrs Tomlinson in 2003.

"We know why we're here, it's for Jane, and whatever happens we will give it our best" - Jane Tomlinson's husband Mike

Mrs Tomlinson undertook a series of athletic challenges after she was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, raising £1.75 million for her charity, Jane's Appeal.

She died last September, aged 43, seven years after her diagnosis.

Mr Tomlinson hopes the ride will help Jane's Appeal reach £2 million by the end of the year.

The 47-year-old admitted he was "extremely nervous" ahead of the ride.

He said: "I have had a really cavalier attitude up to now and I must admit I've not been doing enough training.

"But we know why we're here, it's for Jane, and whatever happens we will give it our best."

Rebecca, 20, added: "I hope my mum would be proud, and now I just want to get started."

The pair will cycle around 60 miles a day, taking in Edinburgh, Leeds and London, aiming to reach Land's End on July 31.

During five of the days, up to 100 members of the public will be able to accompany them.

Mrs Tomlinson competed in various fundraising events, completing the London Marathon three times and cycling across Europe, the US, and Africa after her diagnosis in 2000.

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