HER courageous story bears striking resemblance to that of inspirational fundraiser Jane Tomlinson.

A decade ago Jane Butterworth was diagnosed with cancer of the colon – tumours that have since spread to her liver, her lungs twice and brain – but her poor bill of health has only spurred the fighter on to helping fellow sufferers of the disease.

Like her namesake, Jane has boosted the coffers of cancer charities with years of dedicated fundraising.

Now the 45-year-old hopes to raise even more cash by taking part in this year’s Run For All York 10K – set up in memory of Jane Tomlinson.

Jane, who hails from York, will be running side-by-side with her proud father Ray Theakston, of Haxby.

The pair will pound the streets together in the hope of raising vital funds for the hospital which has helped Jane through her ten years of treatment.

Jane said: “I was diagnosed with cancer ten years ago – since then it has spread into my liver, lungs and I now have a brain tumour.

“Since I was diagnosed, I started fundraising and doing what I can to help to raise cash for charity,” Jane said. “I have raised a total of about £5,000 to date.

“I have mostly raised the cash through running but for the last two years I have been too poorly to do much.

“When I feel strong enough I will start training again so I can be ready for the York 10K.

“For me, the race is not just about raising money, but to also raise awareness and to show people that you can survive and battle cancer.

“I think it will be positive for other people to see that here I still am ten years after I was first diagnosed – I want to show you can keep on going. You just have to be positive.

“My dad will also be running – I think it his way of doing his bit to support me.”

Jane will be raising cash for Christie’s hospital, in Manchester, where she receives treatment, and Macmillan Cancer Care.

Ray said: “As soon as the York 10K was advertised I knew I wanted to do the run. Jane has suffered with cancer for over ten years and since then we have raised money for Macmillan and Christie’s and I also do a lot myself for York Against Cancer.

“Despite being so ill – she is on limited time – she has run four or five 10Ks so far for charity. I’m just so proud of her, the way she handles everything is brilliant.”

Meanwhile, organisers are appealing for volunteers for the York 10K – to help out, email volunteering@runforall.com or visit runforall.com