Thousands join in Tomlinson run

Jane Tomlinson watched Sunday's run from a platform

About 10,000 runners took part in a 10km race organised by terminal cancer sufferer Jane Tomlinson.

The run, which took place on Sunday morning was entered by a mixture of famous sportspeople, television stars and local fundraisers.

Mrs Tomlinson, 43, was too ill to take part in the run herself, but signalled the start of it, in Leeds city centre.

The race, which is set to become an annual fixture, aims to raise money for good causes.

'Very strange'

Mrs Tomlinson watched most of the run from a platform in the city centre.

The mother-of-three said: "It has been amazing. We have been planning it for so long.

"When I first spoke to Leeds City Council I was not sure they would get behind the idea, but they have been amazing and have helped make it the success it is today.

"It is amazing to think that all these people are here today because of me, that's very strange."

Celebrities ran

Mrs Tomlinson, who was given a CBE a week ago, was told in 2000 her metastatic breast cancer was incurable and that she had just six months to live.

After a gruelling nine-week bike ride across the United States, she decided to stop taking part in major fundraising events and spend more time with her family in Leeds.

Celebrities who took part in Sunday's race included Nell McAndrew, cast members of Emmerdale and Hollyoaks and former footballer Eddie Gray.

A 24-strong team of soldiers in full combat gear from 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment, also ran the course.

Money raised from the event will be used for cancer research and to boost children's charities.