Jacqui’s Fundraising Reaches £1 Million for Leeds Cancer Centre

Local fundraiser Jacqui shares her journey with melanoma and ongoing treatment

Jacqui, a patient at Leeds Cancer Centre, has raised £1 million to support the centre’s work in cancer treatment and research. Her story highlights her personal experience with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and the care she has received at the centre over many years.

Jacqui’s Medical Journey

In 1993, Jacqui underwent successful surgery to remove a small mole from her right leg, which was diagnosed as melanoma. She remained cancer-free for several years until 2009, when a lump reappeared in the same area. After extensive testing, it was confirmed as secondary cancer, a rare occurrence in her case.

Since then, Jacqui has been receiving treatment at Leeds Cancer Centre for stage 4 malignant melanoma. She has undergone three operations on her leg, carried out by surgeon Howard Peach, which have enabled her to continue her passion for dancing and choreography.

In 2011, the melanoma spread to her lungs. Oral chemotherapy helped control the disease for two years; however, by February 2015, the tumour in her right lung had grown significantly. At that point, surgeon Kostas Papagiannopoulos performed further surgery to address the tumour.

Fundraising Impact

• Jacqui’s fundraising efforts have reached £1 million for Leeds Cancer Centre.
• The funds contribute to ongoing cancer treatment and research at the centre.
• Her story underscores the importance of specialised care and support for cancer patients.

Jacqui’s experience demonstrates the challenges faced by patients with advanced melanoma and the vital role of dedicated cancer centres in providing treatment and hope.

For more information, visit the Leeds Hospitals Charity website.