Jane Tomlinson finishes the gruelling event in Dorset

The 39-year-old took six hours, 37 minutes to finish the mammoth challenge of swimming 1.2 miles, cycling 56 miles and running a half marathon of 13.1 miles at one of the world's hardest events at Sherborne Castle in Dorset.

The mother-of-three took part in the event to try to increase the �337,000 she has already raised for cancer charities.

Afterwards she said: "I'm really delighted. I thought I might finish in seven hours but I've just done a half marathon in under two hours and I'm delighted.

"Not in my wildest dreams did I think I could do this. My back was very sore on the bike and my knees and legs are sore but I just didn't want to slow down."

Jane Tomlinson celebrates with her husband after the race

Despite suffering intense pain from the cancer, which is in her bones, Mrs Tomlinson, managed to beat a large number of athletes by finishing the swim in just 45 minutes.

As she ran through the crowds to jump on her bike a growing band of supporters shouted and cheered her on.

She finished the bike ride in just 3 hours 45 minutes.

Her husband Mike, 41, and children Rebecca, 15, and Steven, six, screamed their support for their mother.

Her capability to never give up despite her suffering has won her a number of high-profile awards, including an MBE from the Queen in June.