Jane was diagnosed with incurable, advanced metastatic breast cancer in August 2000. The disease spread was extensive and the prognosis was for her to survive six months.  Over a seven year period, Jane fought through numerous courses of chemotherapy and various drug regimes despite also developing chronic heart disease.

During this period Jane, a mother of three from Leeds, took on a series of apparently impossible challenges, for someone suffering from cancer and undergoing chemotherapy treatment, including a full Ironman (4km Swim, 180Km bike ride and full marathon – completed inside 17 hours),  two half Ironmans, the London Marathon three times, the New York Marathon, three London Triathlons and three long distance bike rides – John O Groats to Lands End, Rome to Home and her final huge challenge a 6781.8 km ride across America.  Jane received numerous awards for her efforts including:

• An MBE and subsequently a CBE by the Queen
• The Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality
  of the Year Awards in 2002
• Twice recognised at the Sportswoman of the Year Awards
• A Great Briton Award
• Voted the most Inspirational Woman in Britain in 2003.
• A Pride of Briton Award in 2005

One of Jane’s motives was to show that people with a terminal prognosis can still lead an active and fruitful life and proclaimed “Death doesn’t arrive with the prognosis.”  She proved beyond all doubt to be true to her word and with her uncompromising drive, unwavering determination and supreme bravery Jane provided true inspiration and genuine hope to a great many people.

Jane efforts also raised over £1,850,000 for charities including Macmillan Cancer Relief, SPARKS, Damon Runyon Cancer Research, Yorkshire Cancer Centre, Martin House Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and Hannah House.
Despite finally having to retire from competition at the end of 2006 Jane channeled her remaining energies into an event which is destined to provide a legacy for many years to come – The Leeds 10k ‘Run For All.’  The first event was held in June 2007 and was a fantastic success attracting 8,000 participants, which is truly remarkable for a new event of this type, and raising a staggering £500,000+ for charities and good causes. 

Jane sadly lost her battle with cancer and passed away in September 2007.  However the family plan to grow the event year on year and it is destined to be one of Britain’s major sporting spectacles. Other events will also be developed. This, with your continued support, will help ensure Jane’s Appeal will continue to raise substantial funds for Cancer and Children’s Charities.