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Husband praises 'remarkable' Jane Husband praises 'remarkable' Jane
(about 10 hours later)
The husband of charity fund-raiser Jane Tomlinson, who died earlier this week, has spoken of his pride, saying "what she achieved was just so remarkable".The husband of charity fund-raiser Jane Tomlinson, who died earlier this week, has spoken of his pride, saying "what she achieved was just so remarkable".
Speaking publicly for the first time since his wife died on Monday, Mike Tomlinson said the family had taken great comfort from a flood of tributes.Speaking publicly for the first time since his wife died on Monday, Mike Tomlinson said the family had taken great comfort from a flood of tributes.
Speaking at Leeds Town Hall, he said they had been surprised by the scale of public reaction.Speaking at Leeds Town Hall, he said they had been surprised by the scale of public reaction.
"I don't think anyone would have been more surprised than Jane," he added."I don't think anyone would have been more surprised than Jane," he added.
'Enormous pride'
Mrs Tomlinson, of Rothwell, Leeds, died on Monday night after a seven-year battle with cancer.Mrs Tomlinson, of Rothwell, Leeds, died on Monday night after a seven-year battle with cancer.
The 43-year-old mother-of-three had raised about £1.75m through a series of endurance events.The 43-year-old mother-of-three had raised about £1.75m through a series of endurance events.
Mr Tomlinson said he and his children had taken comfort from her many achievements over the years.Mr Tomlinson said he and his children had taken comfort from her many achievements over the years.
Jane Tomlinson meets her husband and son during a charity event
He said: "I think what they have drawn their comfort from is the knowledge their mum died very, very peaceful and very contented with where she was in life...He said: "I think what they have drawn their comfort from is the knowledge their mum died very, very peaceful and very contented with where she was in life...
"I think the public tributes are building on that foundation and allowing them to have an enormous sense of pride in what their mum achieved.""I think the public tributes are building on that foundation and allowing them to have an enormous sense of pride in what their mum achieved."
He said his wife had not been fearful of death.
"She had a strong Catholic faith and she knew the journey she was about to embark on and she was very happy to be making that journey", he said.
"For us one of the great solaces for us is that what Jane's done has allowed other people to do things in their life that they never expected - and I'm not talking just about people who have suffered illnesses.
One statue would probably equate to 20 dialysis machines and in Jane's mind there is just no competition Mike Tomlinson
"Everyone seemed to be - especially those closest to us - caught up in doing silly events, and that was lovely.
"I was feeling a little sad on Tuesday morning - I try not to get too maudlin but it overtakes you sometimes.
"Somebody walked past and they put the telly on and I heard this voice beaming out at me and it said 'you shouldn't be sad for what you can't have, you should only be looking forward and making the most of opportunities that you have got'.
"And I thought - she is doing it now - she's not even here and she's doing it, and that is just so wonderful."
Mr Tomlinson said he had been "touched" by suggestions for a statue or permanent memorial for Jane, but believed his wife would be "mortified" by the spending of any public money on a statue.
He said: "One statue would probably equate to 20 dialysis machines and in Jane's mind there is just no competition."