Inspirational fundraiser Jane books her place in history

The life and achievements of Jane Tomlinson have been recognised with an entry in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Jan 2011, 11:35 BST
Updated 24th Jan 2011, 11:35 BST

The 1,248-word article was written by award-winning Yorkshire historian John Hargreaves, who nominated her for inclusion in recognition of her sporting and fundraising efforts during her battle with cancer.

He admitted it was difficult to do justice to Mrs Tomlinson's achievements in a single article.

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Mr Hargreaves, who lectures in History at Leeds Trinity University College and is a former teacher at King James's School in Huddersfield, drew on many sources, including the three autobiographies that Mrs Tomlinson wrote with husband Mike.

The entry in the ODNB says: "Her courage in facing her terminal illness and her athletic feats of endurance won her widespread admiration and affection."

The article on Mrs Tomlinson brings Mr Hargreaves's portfolio of contributions to the ODNB to 36. He has profiled many figures with a Yorkshire connection, spanning the centuries from the 16th to the 21st.

His subjects include figures from the entertainment world such as Harry Corbett (Guiseley) and Wilfred Pickles (Halifax) and playwright Andrea Dunbar (Bradford).

Related topics:YorkshireHistoryHuddersfield