The inspirational charity fundraiser and CW favourite, Jane Tomlinson, has lost her battle with cancer.

The Leeds-born mother of three, died last night at St Gemma?s Hospice in Leeds, after a seven-year battle with terminal cancer. Mrs Tomlinson dedicated her life to raising money for charity, and raised £1.75 million. Her biggest challenge was cycling 4,200 miles across the US from San Francisco to New York, in scorching temperatures and high altitudes.

In a statement her husband Mike, who has supported her throughout her various endeavours, said: ?We are, as a family, heartbroken at this loss. But we know this extends to all her friends and family.?

He added: ?The weight of this burden has been immense on all of us, but primarily Jane. We hope that she is now at peace from the pain that has accompanied her for so long.”

Mrs Tomlinson remains the only terminally ill person to complete a full Ironman challenge. She was diagnosed with cancer 17 years ago. She was told the disease was terminal in 2000 and given six months to live.

She was awarded a CBE for her achievements earlier on this year.

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