ONE of the world’s fittest women has given her backing to a charity set up to mark the legacy of heroic sporting fundraiser Jane Tomlinson.

British Triathlete Chrissie Wellington has become the patron of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, which was set up to raise funds for children’s and cancer charities nationwide. To date more than £2.6 million has been raised through a host of charity runs in the Run For All series, which includes York, Leeds and Hull.

Reigning World Ironman Champion, Chrissie, 32, said: “I am extremely proud and honoured to accept the invitation to be a patron of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

“Jane’s unwavering determination, strength, courage and selflessness in the face of adversity is an inspiration to each and every one of us.

“I feel privileged to have the opportunity to play a part in making sure that Jane’s memory and legacy lives in the great work of the appeal.”

The former civil servant from Norfolk staked a claim to be the fittest woman on the planet by achieving her third successive victory in the Ironman world championship last October.

In winning the event – which sees competitors tackle a 2.4 mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and, finally, a full marathon – she smashed a 17-year course record and trounced her nearest female rival by 20 minutes.

Mike Tomlinson, the widower of Jane, who died in September 2007 following a long battle with cancer, said he was “delighted” Chrissie had become a patron of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

He said: “Completing the Ironman in Florida was far and away Jane’s greatest athletic achievement and she’d have been extremely humbled that Chrissie would have heard of her, never mind been a patron of the appeal.

“It’s an honour for us that she’s agreed to be a patron of the charity.”

Places for the Jane Tomlinson York 10K, which takes place on Sunday, August 1, are rapidly running out.

To enter the run, or to volunteer for the event, visit runforall.com Alternatively if you are taking part in the event and would like to tell The Press your story, log on to thepress.co.uk/york10k, email reporter Jennifer Bell at jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk or send us a video message.

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