Mike Tomlinson and daughter Rebecca have announced plans to ride 1,400 miles in memory of wife and mother Jane and to raise money for Jane’s Appeal.

Mike, 47, and Rebecca, 20, will begin their journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End on July 11. They will cycle an average of 60 miles a day during their three week ride, travelling a route which will take them through Yorkshire and London.

The route followed by the Challenge will be similar to that followed by Jane in 2003, when she tandem cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End, stopping twice for chemotherapy treatment during the ride.

The Jane’s Appeal End to End Challenge is sponsored by leading accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP who will also support the team with a baton relay with riders joining from offices along the route.

During five special Ride-For-All days, up to 100 members of the public will be able to take up charity places to join the challenge for a day.


These will take place in the following locations:-

Saturday 19th July: Carlisle to Kirkby Stephen       
Monday 21st July: Settle to Leeds
Tuesday 22nd July: Leeds to Retford
Saturday 26th July: Henley to Marlborough
Sunday 27th July: Marlborough to Wells


The cost for the day will be just £20 per rider, which will include food. Participants are encouraged to generate their own sponsorship for the event. Donations to Jane’s Appeal are very welcome, and can be made through www.justgiving.com/janesappealend2endcyclingchallenge . 

Mike Tomlinson said: “We are doing the ride to remember Jane. I was with Jane for her three big rides and I always said that at some point I wanted to do the End to End challenge. It feels right that we should do it this Summer, to remember and pay tribute to Jane and hopefully to get over the £2 million mark for the charity. That is what we really want to do.”

Mark Webster, community affairs partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Leeds said: “Jane's determination to succeed in the face of adversity was truly inspirational. We are delighted to support Mike and Rebecca on their latest challenge to raise funds for Jane's Appeal. Fundraising for Jane’s Appeal is an important element of our commitment to Community Affairs in 2007/8. We are delighted that so many people from the firm are taking part in the baton relay. Not only are we raising money for our chosen charity, Jane’s Appeal, but it will also be a great event to bolster team spirit.”


The route is planned as follows: