Jane Tomlinson was recognised for her charity work

The 39-year-old from Rothwell, Leeds, attended Buckingham Palace on Thursday to receive her MBE.

She was accompanied by husband Michael, 42, and their three children, Suzanne, 18, Rebecca, 15, and six-year-old Steven.

Mrs Tomlinson was awarded the MBE after completing a number of charity endurance challenges in the past two years, including two marathons, two triathlons, the UK Ironman triathlon and a bike ride from John O'Groats to Land's End.

After the ceremony she said: "It was just a very strange experience and I was very proud.

I'm just the public face of the charities and the award is in recognition of them too Jane Tomlinson

"When I was walking into the ballroom I could see Steven, Rebecca, Suzanne and Michael and it was fantastic.

"That is what it's all about, creating memories."

Since starting her fundraising for cancer research, Mrs Tomlinson has gained national recognition, winning the Helen Rollason Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago but despite a mastectomy the cancer later spread to her lungs.

Mrs Tomlinson added: "This is recognition of everything I have done in the last two years and what I've achieved in fundraising.

"However I'm just the public face of the charities and the award is in recognition of them too.

"It is also recognition for my family and everything they've done."