Tomlinson completes another great challenge

Terminal cancer sufferer Jane Tomlinson sprinted through the finish line of the Gatorade Half-Ironman UK triathlon today and into the arms of her family.

“I’m a bit achy,” she said after finishing in seven hours 34 minutes. “I feel exhausted. It’s been really hard but I really enjoyed it. I’ve not had to walk any of the course, I have run it all.”

The mother-of-three from Rothwell, Leeds, had started her 1.2 mile swim (1.9km) in the cold lake surrounding Sherborne Castle at 7am this morning.

She then went on to cycle 56 miles (90km) around the Dorset town, and then completed a difficult 13.1 mile run (22km).

It was the second time the 40-year-old paediatric radiographer has participated in the event. Last year, she completed the gruelling challenge in six hours and 28 minutes.

This year her feat had been even tougher as she only had six weeks to train and has recently completed a course of radiotherapy.

But the difficulties didn‘t deter her, and as she ran to the finishing line, she was cheered by the crowds.

The Yorkshire woman’s high-profile fund-raising challenges have to date raised approximately £900,000 (€132,000).

The amount was boosted by a 36-day bike ride from Rome to Leeds earlier this summer.

Mrs Tomlinson now aims to reach her £1m fund-raising goal by the end of this year. She has hinted that if her health permits, she could take part in more events this year.

Mrs Tomlinson has now completed three London marathons, three London triathlons, a bike ride across the UK, a bike ride from Rome to Leeds and numerous other races.

Her achievements have earned her numerous awards, including an MBE from the Queen in 2003.