Posted: October 31, 2004

Triathlon: Cancer patient to raise funds for charity through Ironman Florida

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.-Ironman Triathlon has often been synonymous with inspirational stories provided by the thousands of athletes who compete in the 17 Ironman events held around the world.

The Ironman Florida triathlon, set to take place on Saturday, November 6 is no exception, as an extraordinary athlete from England will compete in the event.

Jane Tomlinson is in many ways like any other athlete competing in her first Ironman. She has completed a pair of Half Ironman events in the UK (the Gatorade Half Ironman UK event) and is now making the step to the longer distance. What makes Tomlinson different from other Ironman competitors is that she is doing all of this with terminal cancer.

Tomlinson, who hails from Leeds, has battled cancer since 1990 when she was originally diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite aggressive treatment, the 40-year-old mother of three was diagnosed as terminal in 2000 and was given roughly seven months to live. Now more than four years later, Tomlinson, is using her race at Ironman Florida to raise funds for a series of charities in England geared toward cancer research and helping kids who suffer with various medical conditions.

Through her efforts over the past four years, Tomlinson has raised more than $1.5 million dollars for the four charities that she is supporting, by racing in a series of events including the Gatorade Half Ironman UK event. Her efforts have also led to countless awards including earning the Helen Rollason Award BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award in 2002.

The four charities that benefit from Tomlinson’s efforts are:

Macmillan Cancer Relief-Macmillan Cancer Relief helps people who are living with cancer. In the UK, over a million people are living with cancer, and four in ten people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Macmillan provides the practical and emotional support, which will change the lives of people living with cancer today - and tomorrow.

SPARKS (Sport Aiding Medical Research for Kids)-SPARKS is a charity dedicated to medical research into conditions affecting babies and young children. Since 1991, SPARKS has committed £10 million to fund over 130 medical projects at hospitals and Universities throughout the UK. For further information contact Cassie Down, 020 7340 0685, cassie@sparks.org.uk

Pediatric Acute Services-The Pediatric Acute Services at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust where Jane is a radiographer and still works. A travel incubator and six children's dialysis machines have already been bought with their share of Jane’s fundraising efforts.

Hannah House-Hannah House, a care home in Rothwell, Leeds, less than a mile from where Jane and her family live. It provides accommodation and medical attention for children with complex health needs.

Tomlinson will continue her fundraising efforts at Ironman Florida and will be one of more than 2,000 competitors scheduled to compete in the sixth annual Panama City Beach event.

Athletes will be competing for 100 qualifying spots to the 2005 Ironman World Championship held in October in Kona, Hawaii, as well as a $50,000 pro prize purse.

For more information on the Ironman Florida triathlon, log onto www.ironmanflorida.com.