Almost six months after she died, Mr Tomlinson has revealed that his wife had wanted some of the money raised to go to St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds in recognition of the care she received.

Next month Mr Tomlinson will hand the hospice a £20,000 cheque and five other Yorkshire charities will get a share of a further £100,000 raised during the 4,200-mile cycle ride across America.

Mr Tomlinson said: "St Gemma's in an unusual one for us because it is not normally one of our beneficiaries. This donation is at the request of Jane who said she wanted to say 'thank you' for the treatment she had.

"Jane and I discussed this just before she died. It was something that she wanted, as did I, and is supported by other charity trustees."

St Gemma's nursing staff had helped Mrs Tomlinson with pain control long before she was admitted.

"She first went some years ago and infrequently went there to get advice on pain control, the palliative care side of things. Whether it is Wheatfields (hospice) or St Gemma's, they do a fantastic job."

Mr Tomlinson said a total of £120,000 was being distributed to six organisations, including three hospices – St Gemma's in Moortown, Martin House at Clifford, near Wetherby (£5,000) and Bluebell Wood, Sheffield (£5,000).

Three organisations will receive £30,000 each – medical research charity Sparks, Yorkshire Cancer Centre and Macmillan Cancer Support.

"We have tried to help the local hospices. The way we distribute the money reflects the support we get from the people of Yorkshire. As the appeal goes on, our ability to fund small projects is increased. Our aim is to put things back into the local community."

Mr Tomlinson said life had been "extremely tough" since his wife died.

"I have three or four great people helping me but the bottom line is it's my responsibility. The pressure is on me and I also work full-time and am the only parent."

St Gemma's will use the money towards improving services for patients. It has already spent close to £500,000 refurbishing the Day Hospice and the £20,000 will help pay for a manager to run it.

From next month the new-look Day Hospice will be able to help more patients, with more rooms for pain control, physiotherapy and complimentary therapies.

There is also a new counselling room, which will be used by the bereaved, including children and there will be more scope for medical work, including blood transfusions.

The Leeds 10k Jane Tomlinson Run for All will take place on June 22 and volunteers are needed to help. If you want to get involved or donate money go to www.runforall.com