A Yorkshire woman living with terminal cancer has hit the halfway mark of her fundraising goal to raise one million pounds to support cancer care here in Leeds.

62-year-old Jacqui Drake, a former choreographer from Apperley Bridge, has now raised £500,000 through her Jacqui’s Million appeal in aid of Leeds Hospitals Charity, thanks to her tireless fundraising efforts.

Jacqui hasn’t had an easy journey, she was first diagnosed with melanoma in 1993 and after successful surgery remained cancer free until 2009 when she was given the devastating news her cancer was back and stage 4.

Despite living with terminal cancer, undergoing three major operations and having her right lung removed, Jacqui is determined to help make a difference to thousands of cancer patients across our region and has remained positive in the face of adversity.

Almost 16 years later, Jacqui has defied the odds and is still having ongoing treatment every four weeks at Leeds Cancer Centre, a place which has become a second home and she calls ‘my favourite place – the Bexley Wing.’

We spoke to Jacqui about why she was inspired to launch Jacqui’s Million and this milestone in her fundraising journey, she said:

“When my cancer came back, I never thought for one minute that I would have my own fundraising campaign. But it became very apparent what I could do using my own cancer story and journey to help so many other cancer patients in their time of need. 

“It is not only the fundraising, but spreading positivity and giving hope to others in difficult times.  Being the face of Jacqui’s Million is such an honour and privilege. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and I will bring in the rest of that well needed million – it is my goal and legacy.”

Jacqui has put all her energy into fundraising, from hosting a variety of events throughout the year, to selling branded merchandise at hospital stalls and providing peer support to other people living with cancer by sharing her experience. 

In 2020, Jacqui launched a radio podcast called ‘Cancer Journeys’ speaking to people whose lives have been affected by cancer, from patients, to family members and clinicians, helping to raise awareness of the impact cancer has on so many people.

The money raised through Jacqui’s extraordinary fundraising efforts has helped fund projects above and beyond what the NHS can provide, from new state-of-the-art equipment to help diagnose and treat patients, to pioneering research and the little things that make the biggest impact, like comfier chairs for patients having chemotherapy.

Jacqui has also won local, regional and national awards in recognition of her fundraising efforts, including being a regional finalist for the Pride of Britain Awards.

Paul Watkins, Director of Fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity said:

“Jacqui is a truly remarkable woman. It’s incredibly impressive for one person to single handedly lead fundraising efforts of this magnitude and raise half a million pounds. So many people have got behind Jacqui because of her inspirational story and her positive outlook on life despite her cancer diagnosis. 

“Jacqui’s fundraising has benefited so many people, from cancer patients to their loved ones and the dedicated staff caring for them and we’re all immensely grateful for her dedication. Here’s to the next £500k!”