The legacy of Jane Tomlinson CBE continues to make a lasting impact in her home city, as the Jane Tomlinson Appeal invests £58,626 into local charities through its ‘Big Charity Giveaway.’
This latest investment ensures that Jane’s compassion and commitment to helping others continue to live on in Leeds, with funding reaching the communities where her story began.
The Leeds allocation forms part of a wider £297,000 programme launched on 8 January, inviting charities across Yorkshire, the Midlands and the Liverpool City Region to apply for grants of up to £15,000. Demand was exceptionally high, with more than 300 organisations applying for over £3 million in funding – highlighting both the scale of need and the essential role charities play in supporting communities.
In Leeds, Aireborough Supported Activities Scheme, Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, Flourishing Families, Kidz Klub Leeds and Zarach will each receive funding to strengthen and expand their work across the city.
Together, these organisations support children and young people with additional needs, families facing poverty, patients at the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and some of the most marginalised communities in inner-city Leeds. The funding will enable them to deliver vital services, from residential breaks for children with complex needs and support for young people living with congenital heart disease, to bereavement support that helps children build resilience, as well as targeted family support for around 1,000 children and practical help for those experiencing bed poverty.
This investment will help ensure that individuals and families facing disadvantage, ill health and loss can access the support they need, with services that provide not only practical assistance but also stability and reassurance at difficult times.
Fiona Grimer, Partnerships manager at Kidz klub leeds said: “We’re very grateful to partner with the Jane Tomlinson Appeal to support 1,000 children and families across 17 inner-city communities. This enables 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.”
All successful applicants have now been notified, and the Appeal looks forward to working closely with each charity to bring these projects to life and maximise their impact across Leeds.
This investment is made possible thanks to the thousands of runners who take part in Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All events each year, including many in Leeds such as the Leeds 10K, the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and the Abbey Dash. Every mile run helps channel funding back into the city, ensuring Jane’s legacy continues to support local communities.
Mike Tomlinson, Jane’s Husband and Trustee of The Jane Tomlinson Appeal commented:
“This investment is about backing charities making a real difference in communities every day. We see first-hand how vital their work is, and we’re proud to support them to reach more people and deliver help where it’s needed most.
The response to the Big Charity Giveaway was truly overwhelming, with more than 300 organisations applying. That level of demand speaks volumes about both the strength of the sector and the growing challenges many communities are facing. It’s why we took the decision to increase the fund from £250,000 to £297,000 – so we could extend our support even further.
Every organisation that applied should be proud of the work they do, and while we can’t support everyone this time, we remain committed to helping as many charities as possible.
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.”
Richard Colbrook, Chair of Trustees at Flourishing families said:
‘About 40,000 children in Leeds – enough to fill Elland Road – are living in deep poverty, facing heightened mental health challenges, bereavement, and limited access to support.
‘Flourishing Families Leeds is working to change this. Thanks to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, we’re launching enhanced child bereavement support alongside our Inside Out Groups, helping transform young lives and create brighter futures.’
