Candlelighters

When a child is diagnosed, lives are turned upside down instantly: not just for the child but the entire family. Getting well again can be a long and challenging journey, emotionally, physically, and financially.

Supporting children and families throughout that journey is why Candlelighters was formed 50 years ago. Our mission is to bring light to every family affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire by providing emotional, practical and financial support, as well as bringing hope, by investing in vital research to improve the outcomes and lives of children with cancer.

Jacqui's Million

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.