THE family of marathon runner Jane Tomlinson said more than £7.6m has been raised in her name since her death from cancer.

The mother-of-threeJane raised more than £1.8m herself by tackling endurance challenges in Britain and abroad, including the New York Marathon and the Florida Ironman, before her death in 2007.

The York 10K run was inspired by her, as was the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon which was first held in 2013 in York and had over 7,000 competitors from all over the region.

Today, (Monday, February 16), her family said thank you to all the people who had supported the charity and reveal her legacy so far

Her daughter Rebecca said the money had been raised through the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and by event partner charities.

"We’re just thrilled," she said. "It’s a fantastic amount to have raised and beyond all expectations.

"It’s hugely important to all of us that the work mum started is continuing today and we hope her legacy will carry on for many years to come. When we first set up the appeal we could never have imagined how successful it would become and just how much it would raise.

“It means we have been able to support so many good causes and charities, especially some small local charities who often don’t receive support elsewhere, and particularly in the current climate where charities have seen a real drop in income."

The money has helped scores of charities from children’s hospices, cancer related causes and hospitals across the region continue their vital work, including York Against Cancer, York Blind and Partially Sighted Society, York Teaching Hospital Charity, Yorkshire Cancer Centre, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Martin House Hospice, and the NSPCC.

This year's York 10k takes place on August 2, while the 3rd Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon will be staged on Sunday, October 11.