TERMINALLY-ILL charity fund-raiser Jane Tomlinson is set to return to the Gatorade Half Ironman UK Triathlon in Dorset next weekend.

Mother-of-three Jane, whose inspirational fund-raising achievements were recognised by the Queen with a birthday honours list MBE, is the surprise name among the 1,750 super athletes taking part in the event at Sherborne Castle on Sunday August 22.

She will tackle a 1.2-mile swim, followed by a 56-mile bike race and a 13.1-mile half-marathon.

Jane, 40, who has been living with a terminal diagnosis since 2000 when her breast cancer returned after a ten-year respite, admits that it's the toughest challenge she's ever undertaken in her remarkable fund-raising campaign.

This has seen her compete in leading UK marathons, a tandem cycle ride the length of Britain and an epic tandem cycle ride from "Rome to Home."

She said: "I enjoyed the Ironman triathlon last year and never for one moment thought I would be able to tackle the course again this year.

"After the Rome to Home ride I thought that would be it, but I couldn't resist the chance to compete in a final few events before I hang up my trainers and bike shoes."

Jane, who still works as a paediatric radiographer in Leeds, has avoided going public about her most daunting effort yet, until she'd embarked on a rigorous training regime to prove to herself she was physically and mentally up to taking part.

Race director Ron Thorne said: "I'm sure with her guts and dogged determination Jane will complete the course and claim another finisher's T-shirt."

The Half Ironman UK starts at 7am with the first athletes due to finish around 11am.

First published: August 13