Posted: November 7, 2004

Triathlon: Terminally ill woman completes the 2004 Ironman Florida Triathlon

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.-Jane Tomlinson (England), who is terminally ill with cancer, completed the 2004 Ironman Florida triathlon on Saturday in Panama City Beach, Fla.

Considered one of the most grueling events in all of sports, an Ironman Triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a complete marathon (26.2 miles) all run in succession.

The 40-year-old Tomlinson posted an overall time of 15 hours and 47 minutes, well within the overall cutoff time of 17 hours 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.

2,122 athletes competed in the Ironman Florida triathlon, which took place for the sixth time in Panama City Beach, and is one of only five Ironman events in the continental United States. Athletes were vying for 100 qualifying spots to the 2005 Ironman Triathlon World Championship held on October 15 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, as well as a $50,000 pro prize purse.

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