Cycling from London to Rio in memory of Jane

Ten years after the late Leeds charity fundraiser defied the debilitating effects of aggressive cancer and a broken pelvis to complete a gruelling ride across America, Mike Tomlinson will celebrate his wife’s memory with a 3,000-mile journey to Brazil.

He will be joined by TV presenter Charlie Webster and two former rugby league players, Keith Senior and Paul Highton, who will be cycling on behalf of the sport’s charity, Rugby League Cares as well as the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, which has so far raised over £8m for good causes.

The adventurers will head off from the Olympic Stadium in London on June 27 and plan to average 90 miles a day over the next six weeks on the road to Rio, arriving at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio for the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympics on August 4. From London, they will pedal to Portsmouth to catch a ferry to Le Havre in France, before setting out on a 1,231-mile ride through testing terrain to Lisbon.

The team then flies to Recife in the north east of Brazil and venturing along the 1,600-mile coast road to Rio de Janeiro.

“Jane set off to cycle across the USA on June 29, 2006 at a time when she knew her cancer was aggressive and in its final stage.

“Her success was testament to her incredible mental strength,” said Mike.

“We wanted to mark this milestone in a special way. As Jane was an ambassador for the 2012 London Olympic bid, it seemed appropriate to celebrate her life by cycling to Rio.

“Hopefully, the challenge will help us raise some money, but we also hope that by reminding people about Jane’s journey, it will inspire other people – and show just what can be possible.”

To support the team click here or text JRTR70 £5 to 70070 to donate £5.