THE husband of heroic charity fundraiser Jane Tomlinson has praised the support of the people of York for a race in her memory – as the fund she founded hits the £2 million target she set before she died.

The total raised for Jane’s Appeal has now reached £2.6 million, and Mike Tomlinson – whose wife pushed herself to the limit of endurance to help others after being diagnosed with the cancer which eventually claimed her life in 2007 – says a new goal has now been set. Jane’s family hopes her appeal will eventually reach £5 million, and that the Jane Tomlinson York 10K event on Sunday, August 2, will be a major step towards that target.

“All 5,000 places were snapped up within a month of its launch.

“As a family, we are committed to continuing the work Jane started, and with the York 10K, Leeds 10K and Junior Run, we hope we’ve created a vehicle which can make a huge difference to people’s lives,” said Mike. “A new target of £5 million has been set and I can’t imagine how we’re going to get there, but I know that, with support, we have a fighting chance.

“We’ve been so lucky over the past few years to be supported by a cast of thousands – people who’ve worked with us, volunteers, media, fundraisers and members of the public – and the generosity and kindness have been heart warming.

“The words ‘thank you’ seem so inadequate, but I hope they will be accepted by all who have helped get us to where we are today.”

Mike and his children Suzanne, Rebecca and Steven were at Martin House Children’s Hospice at Boston Spa – one of the organisations Jane’s Appeal will help – before attending an event to thank 250 guests who have backed the charity and celebrate the landmark fundraising achievement.