I have the deepest admiration for terminal breast cancer survivor Jane Tomlinson. In fact, you could rightly say I am in awe of her. This summer, I followed her epic journey across the US, as she left from San Francisco to ride across this country on a bicycle. Cycling 4,200 miles for cancer charity, she intended to end her ride at Battery Park in New York City, and she has arrived. Why does Jane inspire me? It is her spirit. In times of any challenge or crisis, we all need heroes. People who inspire by sheer determination and resilience of will. Someone to look to as a reminder to keep going as long as we can. Jane is one of my heroes.
Six years ago, when Jane, a young mother of two, was diagnosed with advanced metastatic breast cancer, the doctors said she had six months to live. Instead of dying, she has gone on to compete in a number of triathlons --including a 2,500-mile bike ride, from Rome to Leeds and last year the New York Marathon -- all to raise money for breast cancer charity. In six years, she has raised £1.25m total for cancer charity.
Jane hasn't conquered cancer. It is still spreading, it is still getting worse, it is still causing her more pain. But with a reserve of the indefinable inner something that propels some ever forward, Jane seems to refuse to call it quits, to give up, to stop short of the last mile. Even at the moment she believes she cannot go on -- she goes on. Not one of us knows when our last mile will be traveled, but Jane certainly can never look back and say she didn't travel each and every one of them with phenomenal spirit. Jane will be able to know with absolute assurance that she took from life all it had to offer, and gave all she had in return.
Sky News has two broadcast videos online -- one with Jane's husband as he talks of his pride and concern for his wife and one documenting her arrival at Battery Park in New York City -- which includes an interview with her children. Jane has announced she will not be doing this again -- but who knows with Jane.
What has Jane taught me? That we each have a final mile to travel, but no one can know when and where that last mile is, not even the prognosticators of statistical fact and expert data. Each day I wake up I know yesterday wasn't the last mile and it keeps me going that today might not be the last mile. Jane is my hero for that, and more.
Related posts:
Jane Tomlinson: terminal cancer survivor halfway mark on epic journey
Jane's Ride Across America: When your lucks out it's out
Woman with terminal breast cancer on epic ride across U.S.
