A TERMINALLY ill woman bravely battled through a gruelling Dorset triathlon yesterday in an astounding triumph over adversity.

Jane Tomlinson, who may have only four months to live, ran, swam and cycled her way round the 70-mile Gatorade Half Ironman UK in just six hours and 37 minutes.

The 39-year-old mother-of-three ran into the waiting arms of proud husband Mike at Sherborne Castle to become the first cancer patient not in remission and the first terminally ill person ever to complete the punishing triathlon.

"Not in my wildest dreams did I think I could so this," said Jane. "It was really, really tough but I'm just so pleased I did it within my target time of seven hours."

She said: "I wanted to do the Half Ironman this year because I knew I was going to be the fittest I would ever be. I didn't want to wait until next year to see if I am fitter because I might not be around.

"My prognosis hasn't changed in three years, which means I could be dead by Christmas, or I could still be here in three years. I just don't know, so you've got to get on and live," she said.

Jane had a mastectomy when breast cancer was diagnosed in 1990. The illness returned in 1993.

In 2000 Doctors discovered that the disease had spread into her lungs and bones.

Weymouth's very own Ironman hero, estate agent Trevor Hughes, also finished the course, raising money for the Stefan Savic appeal, which is being supported by The Echo.