TRIPLE World Ironman Champion Chrissie Wellington, who grew up in Feltwell, has become the patron of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

TRIPLE World Ironman Champion Chrissie Wellington, who grew up in Feltwell, has become the patron of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

Reigning champion Chrissie said the charity, set up in memory of the late Jane Tomlinson CBE, said her legacy was an “inspiration” to everyone.

The Jane Tomlinson Appeal raises money for children's and cancer charities. To date, some �3 million has been raised and Jane's family, led by husband Mike Tomlinson, are determined to continue the work she started and are now aiming for the �5 million mark.

Chrissie said: “I am extremely proud and honoured to accept the invitation to be a patron of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

“Jane's unwavering determination, strength, courage and selflessness in the face of adversity is an inspiration to each and every one of us.

“I feel privileged to have the opportunity to play a part in making sure that Jane's memory and legacy lives in the great work of the appeal.”

Chrissie, 32, is reigning and triple World Ironman Champion (2007, 2008 and 2009) as well as the current world ironman distance record holder and Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year.

Mike Tomlinson, whose wife Jane died in September 2007 following a long battle with cancer, said: “Completing the Ironman in Florida was far and away Jane's greatest athletic achievement and she'd have been extremely humbled that Chrissie would have heard of her, never mind been a patron of the appeal.

“It's an honour for us that she's agreed to be a patron of the charity.”