Businesses put best feet forward for Jane

More than 11,000 people will run through Leeds in memory of Jane Tomlinson later this year.

Yorkshire's business community is being asked to step up to the mark in support of the 2010 Jane Tomlinson Leeds 10K.

The race, which was established in 2007, takes place each year to stand as Mrs Tomlinson's fundraising legacy.

Mrs Tomlinson, 43, from Rothwell, near Leeds, lost her seven-year battle with cancer in September 2007.

Despite being terminally ill, she took part in a large number of gruelling charity challenges, including a sponsored bicycle ride across America.

For the fourth year, staff at Clarion Solicitors have joined the race organisers to launch the Corporate Challenge 2010.

The Clarion Solicitors' Corporate Challenge is a key part

of Jane Tomlinson's Leeds 10K, the biggest mass participation running event in Yorkshire, which will take place on

Sunday, July 4.

Businesses taking part will be able to use the race to raise funds for their own charity or a community cause.

Roger Hutton, a partner at Clarion, said: "The Leeds 10K is always a fantastic event for the city, both in terms of the community spirit it fosters with more than 11,000 runners and many more spectators taking part, as well as the vast amount it raises for charity – an amazing 300,000 last year.

"Yorkshire still has a robust business community and this is a great opportunity to bring people together in a common cause. Putting forward a corporate team is great for team-building and networking, as well as raising much-needed funds either for The Jane Tomlinson Appeal or for any other charity or good cause close to your heart."

Jane's husband Mike said: "Led by Clarion, businesses in the region have played a key role in making the Leeds 10K the success it is today.

"Our thanks to everyone who has supported us over the last four years, but please, join us again to make the 2010 Leeds 10K bigger and better than ever."

Last year 20 teams took part in the corporate challenge, and Mr Tomlinson hopes the figure will be raised to 32 in 2010.

He said: "When people

take part in the corporate challenge it creates a huge buzz. People also become healthier and feel fitter.

"We can't be complacent. We have achieved a lot but what we have done is nothing compared to what Jane achieved by cycling across America."

Once again, a special corporate package will be available. For an entry fee of 500, businesses may sign up a team of between three and 10 people.

The package includes a number of benefits such as company branded T-shirts; inclusion on the 10K website; hospitality and networking events; team photography; and corporate prizes. To enter or to find out more, contact [email protected] or phone 0113 812 9100.

The race is organised by The Jane Tomlinson Appeal which raises money for children's and cancer charities.

The other event partner charities are Martin House Hospice, Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, Yorkshire Cancer Centre, Macmillan Cancer Support and the children's medical research charity SPARKS.

To date, 2.6m has been raised and Jane's family is determined to continue the work she started.

The Yorkshire Post is the event's media partner.