Tributes to 'phenomenal' Tomlinson

Mike Tomlinson broke down in tears as he delivered an emotional eulogy at his wife's Catholic funeral mass.

Mrs Tomlinson lost her seven-year battle with terminal cancer last week, aged 43.

The mother-of-three defied doctors who gave her just months to live after her diagnosis in 2000 and raised more than £1.75 million through a series of gruelling endurance events.

Hundreds of mourners, plus charity bosses and leading figures from sport and television - including former middle distance runner Steve Cram, Paralympian Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and Leeds-born model Nell McAndrew - gathered at St Anne's Cathedral in Leeds for the funeral.

Around a thousand more mourners assembled in the city's Millennium Square where the service was shown live on a big screen.

In his introduction to the mass the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Rev Arthur Roche spoke of Mrs Tomlinson's bravery. He said: "There are so many people who, with great affection, are joined with us as we gather to pray for and pay tribute to Jane Tomlinson - a very brave and courageous young woman."

He added: "Jane was a woman of exceptional courage and deep faith, a loving wife and a proud mother, a devoted daughter, a valued friend, a much admired champion and a revered citizen of this city and beyond. She loved life and lived it to the full despite her own painful illness."

Mr Tomlinson's voice cracked with emotion as he delivered a tribute to his wife, detailing all her achievements, her battle with cancer and her love for her family. He said: "Her athletic achievements quite rightly marked Jane out as being unique. But for Jane it is her family that she cherished beyond all else. She was immensely proud of all three children. They brought her unimaginable joy.

"Words seem insufficient to describe how painful the loss of Jane has been to us.... I feel truly humbled to have known Jane."