Raising £1 million for Leeds Cancer Centre through the power of positivity.

In 1993 I had successful surgery to remove a small mole from my right leg, which was diagnosed as Melanoma, and for many years after I was clear of Cancer. However, in 2009 a lump appeared in the same place and after numerous tests unfortunately it was a secondary Cancer, which is virtually unheard of. Some would say I am extremely unlucky, I say I am blessed as I was referred to Leeds Cancer Centre, where since that time I have been receiving treatment as my Cancer is malignant in stage 4.

Three operations on my leg by the amazing Howard Peach ensured I could keep doing what I do best – dancing and choreographing! In 2011 the Melanoma had spread to my lungs. Oral chemotherapy thankfully kept things at bay for two years, but the tumour in my right lung had escalated to such a degree that in February 2015, another wonderful surgeon Kostas Papagiannopoulos removed the tumour and also my right lung.

Since then, I have continued with chemotherapy and other drugs for the side effects and although the above sounds devastating, I am really positive and living every day to the full. Life expectancy for an “average” person with my condition is usually one year – but as the specialists say “I am not average!”

And here I am 14 years on!! I say “Everyone is terminal, it's just that I'm not getting off at this terminus”. I am still living a fun packed life.

So, Jacqui's Million is all about raising awareness, positivity and also much needed funds for Leeds Cancer Centre. During the time I have spent there as a patient, I have come to see first hand the tremendous work they do; long hours, low pay, but with an ethos that is truly outstanding – they really are all angels.

We need to help our NHS so they can continue to care for us, as they have done for many many years.

My goal and legacy is to raise £1 million for Leeds Cancer Centre, and if I can get one million people to donate just £1 then the job would be done! This money will be used in a variety of ways, but specifically for all cancer patients from children to adults.

Jacqui's Million is more than just raising well needed funds

It's also about "peer support" something that is very special and precious to me. Trying to help patients and their families in their time of need, giving them hope and positivity too, that you can live a really positive life with the "big C" and early diagnosis is of course vital so that you can receive the best possible care.

In 2020 I started my radio podcast "Cancer Journeys" on Bradford Community Broadcasting BCB106.6FM. This has been so successful with so many patients, clinicians, doctors and families sharing their stories and experience of Cancer again to help others when they are diagnosed. It could be a very depressing show, but it's not, it is informative and very uplifting, again giving people starting their own personal journey hope. The podcasts are available to listen to at: www.jacquismillion.com and at www.yorkshirecancercommunity.co.uk. If you would like to take part and share your story again simply email me for more information

We all know someone who has Cancer, or a loved one who has died from this terrible disease, and every two minutes in the UK someone else is being diagnosed. So if you can please help me with my appeal as every penny donated does count.

Jacqui's Million has been recognised by the following award bodies:

• Community Award Winner at the Yorkshire Women Volunteer Awards 2019
• Third place in the Above & Beyond Award at the Inspire Awards 2019 
• Finalist for the Kate Granger Award for Outstanding Contribution at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2020
• Happy List 2021 - The Independent - Celebrating 50 inspirational people driving positive change in Britain
• Finalist Pride of Britain Awards 2021 - Calendar North (ITV Fundraiser of the Year)
• Nominated for the Local Fundraiser of the year at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2022
• Winner of the Kate Granger Award for Outstanding Contribution at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2022
• Rotary - Paul Harris Fellow
• BBC Radio Leeds "Make A Difference Awards" 2022 - Highly Commended in the Fundraiser category
• Winner of the Above & Beyond Award at the Inspire Awards 2022
• Winner of the Most Inspirational Woman of the Year Award at the Inspire Awards 2022
• Nominated for Local Fundraiser of the Year at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2023
• Nominated for the Inspirational Individual of the Year at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2023
• Nominated for Local Fundraiser of the Year at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2024
• Finalist for the Inspirational Individual of the Year at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2024
• Nominated for the Outstanding Courage Award at the Yorkshire Choice Awards 2024
• BBC Radio Leeds "Make a Difference Awards" 2024 - Highly Commended in the Fundraising category