Jane Tomlinson

Jane Tomlinson (1964-2007) died yesterday evening. In July 1990 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In August 2000 a scan revealed multiple secondary cancers. These cancers were pronounced incurable. She was given 6 months to live. Since then Jane took part in marathons and triathlons. She also completed 3 long and gruelling bike rides: from John O'Groats to Land's End, from Rome to Leeds and from San Francisco to New York City. She was given a BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award; and the Queen awarded her the MBE and the CBE. She has raised over £1 million for charity. She was - she is - an inspiration. But Jane would have been the first to point out that most people with terminal cancer could not or would not want to do what she did, and why should they? Who would - even if totally fit and healthy? The point is this: unless we really can't help it (and for some this may be understandably impossible), try not to give up. No matter how short life is. Whatever we do. For, as Ruskin said, There is no wealth but life.