A terminal cancer sufferer’s quest to raise £1million in aid of Leeds Cancer Centre has been given a welcome boost through a programme of fundraising events and activities by staff and management at Pecan Deluxe Candy (Europe) Ltd.
During the last 6 months, the Yorkshire based food tailor and inclusions specialist has helped to raise over £3500 for the charity, founded by Jacqui Drake, through support of a book launch, an eighties night, donation of auction prizes and various staff initiatives including a Christmas Jumper Day and Festive Buffet.
Coming up next, the company is sponsoring the Positive Vibes Cabaret Concert at City Varieties Leeds on 30 June. A musical extravaganza featuring performances from the greatest West End and Broadway musicals and choreographed by Jacqui herself, every penny raised on the day will be donated to the Yorkshire Cancer Centre, also known as the Bexley Wing of St James’ Hospital in Leeds.
In addition, many factory and office workers at Pecan Deluxe are training hard in preparation for the Yorkshire Marathon Relay on 14 October. Spanning all ages and abilities, colleagues have formed two teams to take part in aid of the charity, which for many of the intrepid runners is a cause very close to their hearts.
The company has personal ties to Jacqui, a dancer and choreographer who was first diagnosed with melanoma in 1991. Having beaten the condition at first, it returned and eventually became Stage 4 malignant melanoma, resulting in the removal of one of Jacqui’s lungs and gruelling chemotherapy. Despite a dismal prognosis Jacqui has beaten the odds for survival thanks to her admirable attitude, exemplified by her mantra “Positive About Cancer”.
Managing Director EMEA and APAC, Graham Kingston, explained: “Having known Jacqui for some time we were very proud to announce Jacqui’s Million as our chosen corporate charity six months ago. We’re all delighted to see how Jacqui’s boundless positivity and contributions from many supporters have already helped to bring in nearly £90,000 towards her target. As the inaugural Positive Vibes Concert raised around £9,000 last year, we hope that this year’s hugely enjoyable performances will take the appeal into six figures, and I would encourage anyone reading this to get your tickets now!
“I also have nothing but admiration for our teams of colleagues who will be tackling the Yorkshire Marathon with undoubted courage – especially as more than one of them has never run an organised race before in their lives. As a firm Pecan Deluxe is totally committed to Jacqui’s Million and we’re looking forward to doing everything we can to help that appeal total continue to grow, in turn helping directly towards the care of other cancer sufferers.”
You can donate to Jacqui’s Million via Justgiving at: www.justgiving.com/jacquismillion
To find out more about Pecan Deluxe’s charity work visit: