IT’S a tale of two Janes. Jane Tomlinson won the hearts of the whole nation by her courageous refusal to give in to cancer. She raised nearly £2 million for cancer charities and medical research through a series of gruelling challenges, before finally succumbing to the disease.

Jane Butterworth has demonstrated much of the same fighting spirit.

The 45-year-old, who grew up in York, was diagnosed with cancer of the colon ten years ago.

Tumours have since spread to her liver, her lungs, and now her brain.

But her poor health has only spurred Jane on to try to help other sufferers from the disease.

She has already raised about £5,000 for cancer charities, including Macmillan and the Christie Hospital in Manchester, where she received treatment.

And this year she will be running side-by-side with her proud father, Ray Theakston, in the Run For All York 10k – a race set up in memory of her namesake, Jane Tomlinson.

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

“I think it will be positive for other people to see that here I still am ten years after I was first diagnosed.”

It won’t be her first charity run. “She has run four or five 10ks so far for charity,” said Ray. “I’m just so proud of her. The way she handles everything is brilliant.”

It certainly is. Her courage in adversity is an inspiration, and a source of hope to all those who battle against this dreadful disease.

Hats off to you, Jane. We wish you all the very best for the race.