British Charity Superstar Jane Tomlinson Rides Across America
Wednesday, 3rd May 2006
Jane Tomlinson MBE is proud to announce that she is going to ride a grueling 4200 miles across the United States in July and August of 2006, being the greatest endurance feat ever to be attempted by someone with terminal cancer. Her aim is to raise over £1,250,000 (US$2million) for UK and American based cancer and children's charities.
This latest challenge will see mother-of-three and terminally ill cancer sufferer Jane Tomlinson undertake the biggest challenge ever by someone so ill; anywhere. Jane's Appeal was originally founded with the intention of raising £1,000,000 for charity by participating in some of the world's most gruelling races. However, Jane's Ride across America is her latest athletic stint with the intention of raising another £1,250,000 (US$2million).
The ride will see Jane ride from West to East across the United States, which kicks off in San Francisco on the 29th July and end in New York 62 days later on 31st August. Jane will ride 4214 miles, which is 1714 miles longer than her Rome to Home challenge completed in 2004 and will be her most difficult challenge by far. Jane and the team will ride a combined 12642 miles, equivalent to 3 times the length of The Great Wall of China.
Accompanying Jane on the ride is 27 year old Ryan Bowd, a Leeds Metropolitan University Lecturer who also completed the Ironman Florida in 2003 alongside Jane. 40 year old Martyn Hollingworth, a documentary film maker will also be a member of the team who will shadow Jane's achievements.
"I cannot wait for the ride; this will be my biggest challenge by far, mentally, physically and emotionally. Riding across America for 8 weeks will be very tough but I love a challenge and it's for an inspirational cause. Raising awareness and money for my chosen charities is what this is all about." comments Jane Tomlinson.
Jane is an extraordinary individual who since being diagnosed with terminal Cancer in 2000 and given only 6 months to live she has raised over £1.2 million pounds for charity through the completion of over 20 athletic challenges. In 2004 Jane became the world's first terminally ill cancer sufferer to complete an Ironman Triathlon, the world's toughest single day endurance event; which composes, a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and full marathon. Other achievements include three London Marathons, the New York marathon, several Triathlons, and two long distance bike rides from Rome to Leeds and John O'groats to Lands end.
Jane's awards are numerous including being named as a Great Briton in 2005, a Pride of Britain Award 2005, Helen Rollason award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards 2002, twice winning the Inspiration Award at the Sportswoman of the Year Awards 2002 & 2005. In 2003 she was voted by the public as the most inspirational Woman in Britain.
Leeds Metropolitan University are supporting Jane and the ride with some funding and organising of the event and are giving Ryan's time for marketing, public relations and support.
Jane received an Honorary Doctorate of Sports Science from Leeds Metropolitan University during its winter graduation in November 2005 and she continues to work closely with staff at the university who have supported her through her previous fundraising challenges with training advice.
Lucy Laville one of Ryan's colleagues says "At Leeds Met students and staff will be following Jane's progress closely. Jane is a fantastic motivator and inspiration and we wish her well in her latest fundraising as she cycles across America with our colleague Ryan Bowd who has been working closely with Jane in the preparation of this challenge as well as her previous fundraising sports challenges."
Martin Johnson CBE and president of SPARKS comments "I may have led England to a World Cup victory, but Jane Tomlinsons achievements on behalf of SPARKS and the other charities she supports leave me feeling positively humble."
Jane is quite simply an inspiration. There is no other word to describe her. She is truly a great British heroine, even though she'd doubtless be embarrassed by that description. But what else can you say about a woman who has dedicated six years since being diagnosed with terminal cancer to selflessly raising well over £1 million for her charity causes.
The series of marathons, triathlons, Ironman events and cycling challenges she has undertaken during that time would prove daunting to the vast majority of professional sportsmen. Her courage and her sheer determination beggar belief, and reinforce her message that a terminal prognosis can still involve an active and fruitful life.
For more information about the Ride Across America and Janes Appeal visit: www.janesappeal.com
Source: Leeds Metropoliatan University