'Making a real difference': Five Leeds charities to get £58.5k cash boost from Jane Tomlinson Appeal

A major fundraising boost from the Jane Tomlinson Appeal will mean five charities in Leeds can extend support for vulnerable people across the city and continue the legacy of the late athlete and campaigner Jane Tomlinson.

A total of £58,626 will be shared across Aireborough Supported Activities Scheme, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, Flourishing Families, Kidz Klub Leeds and Zarach, as part of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal’s ‘Big Charity Giveaway’.

Mike Tomlinson, Jane’s Husband and Trustee of The Jane Tomlinson Appeal has thanked the thousands of runners in Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All events, including the Leeds 10K, the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and the Abbey Dash, who have made this investment possible.

Mike said: “None of this would be achievable without the thousands of runners who take part in Run For All events each year. Their efforts enable us to give back, and we’re hugely grateful for the role they play in supporting communities across the region.”

According to Mike, the response to the Big Charity Giveaway has been “truly overwhelming” and the funding boost will help local charities which are “making a real difference”.

The Big Charity Giveaway was launched earlier this year and enables charities across Yorkshire, the Midlands and the Liverpool City Region to apply for grants from the Jane Tomlinson Appeal for up to £15,000.

After exceptional demand, a total of £297,000 has been awarded to 26 charities from across these regions.

The Children’s Heart Surgery Fund hopes to increase its youth support.

Ruth Davany, CEO of the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund said: “‘Thanks to the Appeal’s generosity, our Family Support & Youth Worker will support young people with congenital heart disease in 2026 during a time of change and uncertainty as they move towards the transition from paediatric to adult care.

“They will ensure the young people’s voices are heard and respond to their needs through tailored support in hospital and at community events in our region, helping to empower them to foster meaningful connections and equip them with tools so they can thrive and navigate their condition as independent young adults.”

Aireborough Supported Activities Scheme plans to use the new investment to fund a residential scheme for children with additional needs and their families, and Zarach will use it to continue their mission to lift children out of bed poverty.

Meanwhile, Kidz Klub Leeds and Flourishing Families both plan to use the money to increase the support they provide for Leeds children living in poverty and their families.

Richard Colbrook, Chair of Trustees at Flourishing Families said: “About 40,000 children in Leeds – enough to fill Elland Road – are living in deep poverty, facing heightened mental health challenges, bereavement, and limited access to support.

“Flourishing Families Leeds is working to change this. Thanks to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, we’re launching enhanced child bereavement support alongside our Inside Out Groups, helping transform young lives and create brighter futures.”

In her lifetime, Jane Tomlinson raised an astonishing £1.85 million for charity as she took on difficult athletic challenges across the world while living with terminal cancer.

This latest investment ensures that Jane’s compassion and commitment to helping others continue to live on in Leeds, with funding reaching the communities where her story began.