Mike Tomlinson, Jane's husband, and their children Suzanne, Rebecca, and Steven:

“We are, as a family, heartbroken at this loss but we know this extends to all her family and friends. Jane has always said her family has been the greatest joy in life and we feel honoured to have been blessed with such a wonderful person.

“The weight of this burden has been immense on all of us but, primarily, Jane. We hope that she is now at peace from the pain that has accompanied her for so long.”

Gordon Brown, Prime Minister:

“The whole country will be greatly saddened by the death of Jane Tomlinson and our thoughts are with her husband, her three children and all her family and friends.

“Jane’s mission in life was a simple one: to make the most of every day and to help others, and she not only achieved that several times over, but inspired millions of others along the way.

“She fought cancer for seven years and raised £1.7 million for cancer charities.

“We will remember her amazing spirit and strength and that exceptional charity work, and she will be a daily inspiration to our generation to fight on against the terrible scourge of cancer.”

Rt Rev Arthur Roche, the Bishop of Leeds:

“She was a bright beam of light in the midst of a darkness that can so often accompany terminal illness.

“She fought a very brave fight, of Olympian proportions, right to the end of her earthly life and has left us a legacy of courage when faced with difficulty; of striving for others despite one’s own important needs.

“She will be remembered not only for her courage and faith, but also for her vitality, her love of life and of her family, of endurance against all the odds and, in the midst of it all, a very endearing smile.”

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