Jane Tomlinson says this could be her last race

On Friday the 38-year-old mother of three from Rothwell, Leeds finished a three-week challenge of cycling from John O'Groats to Lands End on a tandem with her brother.

Last year Mrs Tomlinson ran the London Marathon as well as a triathlon and the Great North Run.

She has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity.

She will be running on Sunday with her husband Michael.

It's another year that we have survived Michael Tomlinson An inspiration to all

"It might be the last opportunity I get," she said.

"I'm not taking part to say to people, 'look what I can achieve'. I'm taking part because I want to.

"I'm reasonably fit and hope that I will be able to complete it.

"It might be the last race I do as I might not be around next year and I've got to make the most of the opportunities that I have."

Time to celebrate

Following the marathon she plans to spend the time she has left with her husband and children.

"We're not doing any more for charity.

"We need to have time with the family. I'm tired now and want to do nothing and have a family holiday."

Mr Tomlinson said: "I'm not looking forward to it, not one piece of me is looking forward to it, and I don't think I will finish it, but we have to celebrate.

"It's another year that we have survived."

Paul Connew of Sparks (SPort Aiding medical Research for KidS), one of the main charity beneficiaries of Jane's appeal, said: "Jane is a quite remarkable woman, possibly the most inspirational woman in Britain.

"I don't think anybody could have believed that she'd feel fit enough to run this year, but everyone at Sparks is full of admiration for her and deeply grateful for her massive fund-raising efforts on our behalf."