MP Greg Mulholland takes on ‘amazing’ Jane Tomlinson marathon challenge (From Wharfedale Observer)

MP Greg Mulholland takes on ‘amazing’ Jane Tomlinson marathon challenge

9:10am Tuesday 24th April 2012 in News By Jonathan Redhead, Ilkley/Otley Reporter

An MP has said he is “delighted” but “achy” after completing the first two days of the Jane Tomlinson 10th Anniversary Challenge.

Before yesterday, Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland had completed the Paris Marathon in three hours, 35 minutes and the first leg of the bike ride from Paris to Lens of 100 miles.

But he still has a long way to go to complete the challenge which is raising money for The Jane Tomlinson Appeal, who help children’s and cancer charities across Yorkshire, the UK and the world.

The MP is also raising funds for Kidz in Kampz, based in Holt Park in Leeds, who fund programs for children displaced by conflict in refugee camps on the Thai-Burmese border and The Leeds Rugby Foundation, based at Headingley stadium, who promote community participation and work to transform young people’s lives through the power of sport.

However, to complete the challenge, Mr Mulholland must finish a six-day cycle route to London ahead of the London Marathon via Hull and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal’s home turf of Yorkshire.

He has joined Mrs Tomlinson’s husband Mike and daughter Rebecca, along with a team including four time Ironman champion, Chrissie Wellington.

It is ten years since Mrs Tomlinson, CBE, ran the London marathon for the first time, the first terminally-ill breast cancer patient to complete it.

With this month marking the tenth anniversary, the Tomlinson family and team have set themselves the marathon endurance challenge.

“I am very pleased to have got the first two days of the challenge out of the way, but there is clearly still a long way to go before we cross the final finish line in London on Sunday,” Mr Mulholland said.

“I am very achy, but I am sure if we continue to work together as a team, we can all pull together and make it to the finish line and ensure all these fantastic causes receive as much support from donations as possible.

“The challenge is eye-wateringly gruelling and I keep thinking that I must be mad to take it, but I just couldn’t pass up this opportunity to attempt such an amazing thing.”

To sponsor Mr Mulholland, go to justgiving.com/Greg-Mulholland-Jane-Tomlinson-Challenge or by text 70070 with the code GMJT70 followed by the amount – eg: GMJT70 £10 – or via cheques, payable to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal to his office at Wainwright House, 12 Holt Park Centre, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 7SR.