British charity fundraiser Jane Tomlinson has died following a long battle with cancer.
Mrs Tomlinson (43), who raised £1.75 million for charity, died in a Leeds hospice at 9pm last night.
She was diagnosed with terminal cancer seven years ago but defied her illness - and often doctors' orders - to dedicate her life to raising money for charity.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he was saddened by Mrs Tomlinson's death and paid tribute to her "amazing spirit and strength".
Mrs Tomlinson was diagnosed with breast cancer 17 years ago and was told the cancer was terminal in 2000.
Over the last five years, she undertook a series of endurance events to raise money for charity. Her last - and toughest - challenge was a 4,200-mile bike ride across the United States, from San Francisco to New York.
PA