Why the legacy of Leeds's own Jane Tomlinson continues to make a difference

The Run For All charity was started by Leeds mother-of-three Jane Tomlinson after she was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer.

The 36-year-old was given just six months to live but defied her diagnosis, raising more than £1.85 million for charity over the next seven years. Cancer took her aged 43 in 2007 with her husband, Mike continuing his late wife's fundraising efforts.

Fast forward to 2026 and her legacy continues to make a difference.

The Jane Tomlinson Appeal today announced the launch of a £250K ‘Big Charity Giveaway’- a significant grant programme designed to support charities across the Yorkshire region and beyond.

The Appeal is set to offer grants up to a maximum of £15,000, providing a significant funding opportunity for an array of good causes.

The new grant round continues the powerful legacy of the late inspirational athlete and fundraiser Jane Tomlinson CBE, whose determination and generosity helped transform lives across the UK and beyond.

Over the years, the Jane Tomlinson Appeal has already awarded significant amounts to charities and community projects supporting causes including cancer care, bereavement services, mental health support and initiatives that improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of children and young people.

This latest giveaway is open to registered charities operating within Yorkshire, the Midlands and the Liverpool City Region, with successful applicants set to receive funding that could make a real difference to the communities they serve.

Mike Tomlinson said: “Jane was passionate about helping others and with the 2026 Big Charity Giveaway, we can continue that legacy and give charities across our regions the opportunity to grow, reach more people and change more lives.

“We’d like to hear from as many charities and organisations as possible. There is no minimum award, and they can bid for a maximum of £15,000 to support a project of their choice. They just need to tell us how they will spend it and what benefits it will bring.

He added: “We would especially like to hear from charities that work with children or cancer patients and their families. They are causes that were obviously close to Jane’s heart, as they are to ours.”

From today, (January 8), charities are invited to apply for the grants to help sustain, develop or expand their work.

Applications will close on Thursday, February 5, after which all submissions will be carefully reviewed, and those successful will be notified shortly afterwards. Grants will then be formally awarded during the week commencing March 2.

The Jane Tomlinson Appeal will then announce the successful grant recipients in March and celebrate the positive impact the funds will have.