Jane has raised £1.45m for charity since her diagnosis in 2000

The radiographer from Leeds, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, has raised £1.45m through a series of gruelling physical challenges.

The mother-of-three recently finished a 4,200-mile cycle ride across America.

She will be honoured on Friday as her daughter Suzanne graduates with a degree in philosophy at the same event.

A spokeswoman for Hull University said Mrs Tomlinson had "inspired a nation" by completing a number of challenges including three London marathons, the New York marathon and three London triathlons.

'Inner strength'

"She has demonstrated outstanding determination and she has proved that inner strength can override physical limitations," she added.

Mrs Tomlinson has won a host of awards for her fundraising and received an MBE in 2004.

Among the other honorary graduates at Friday's ceremony will be TV and film director Michael Apted, whose work includes the 7 Up documentary series and films such as The World is Not Enough, Gorky Park and Gorillas in the Mist.

He is the director of the forthcoming film Amazing Grace about the slave trade, timed to coincide with the 2007 bicentenary of the abolition of the British slave trade.