Charities get £176k boost from cancer foundation

Charities across Yorkshire are set to receive a £176,000 boost from a foundation set up by an amateur athlete who raised millions while suffering from breast cancer.

The Jane Tomlinson Appeal, founded by the Wakefield mother who died in 2007, announced it plans to invest in 15 charities including organisations in York, Sheffield, Leeds and Hull earlier.

The foundation's "Big Charity Giveaway" launched in January and more than 300 charities applied for support.

Tomlinson's husband Mike, trustee of the appeal, said: "This investment is about backing charities making a real difference in communities every day."

The 15 charities range from those helping children with complex health conditions to those supporting bereaved young people, and more than half of the total pot of nearly £300,000 is being granted to organisations in Yorkshire.

The Jane Tomlinson Appeal was set up by the late fundrasier and radiographer after she was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer aged 36, and has raised more than £10m to date.

Her fundraising efforts included running the London Marathon, cycling across Europe and triathlons - all while she had cancer.

One of the charities due to receive funding is Bereaved Children Support York.

Founder Jo Cole said: "This grant will fund 300 one-to-one therapeutic support sessions for bereaved children and young people living in York.

"As a charity we are funded entirely by donations and fundraising and have applied for grants for the first time this year - the grant will help to continue funding this vital service."

Sheffield-based Autistic Children and Carers Together was another charity to be selected.

Spokesperson Danny Atrobus said: "This donation will enable autistic young people in Sheffield, who can't access mainstream football, to join our autism-friendly ACCT Academy sessions with experienced, supportive coaches."

Fiona Grimer, partnerships manager at KidzKlub Leeds, confirmed the funding would help 1,000 children and families across 17 inner city communities.

"This will enable us to provide tailored, early help, working with families in their homes to build trust, strengthen connections and boost confidence - helping children overcome challenges and giving families the tools to thrive," she added.

Meanwhile Hull Churches Home From Hospital Service said the funding would help it to continue supporting families from the moment they receive a terminal diagnosis.

Chief executive Nicky Andrews said: "Our Families Together Service is about being there – listening, supporting and caring – so that families can focus on what matters most, knowing they are not alone."

Mike Tomlinson added: "None of this would be achievable without the thousands of runners who take part in Run For All events each year, their efforts enable us to give back, and we're hugely grateful for the role they play in supporting communities across the region."

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