Sherburn based ingredient inclusions specialist Pecan Deluxe Candy (Europe) Ltd, has linked up with cancer sufferer Jacqui Drake to help meet her ambitious target of raising £1million for the Yorkshire Cancer Centre, aka the Bexley Wing of St James’ Hospital in Leeds.
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”.
Pecan Deluxe has put in place a programme of activities to underpin the £1million campaign, including sponsorship of the City Varieties Leeds event in June 2018, donation of coveted prize holidays for auction, support of a book launch in November and an 80s Supper Gig in January. Staff will also be fundraising via participation in challenging events such as marathons. As well as providing financial support, the renowned food tailor is aiming to boost the campaign through its connections in the region and within the food sector.
Managing Director EMEA and APAC, Graham Kingston, explained:
“Thanks to very successful company growth Pecan Deluxe is in the rewarding position of being able to help a worthy charity – and they don’t come much more worthy than Jacqui’s Million. I and my colleagues have been amazed by Jacqui’s determination and unerring sunny disposition, no matter what. We could not be happier with our choice of charity and look forward to making a real difference to the Jacqui’s Million campaign.”
Jacqui added:
“Jacqui’s Million is all about raising awareness, positivity and much-needed funds for the Yorkshire Cancer Centre where I am always treated with compassion and kindness. In the time I have spent there as a patient I have seen first hand the tremendous work they do with long hours but an amazing ethos. The funds raised will enable the staff to purchase items that they really need to make patients more comfortable and caring for them easier. I’m absolutely delighted that Pecan Deluxe has decided to support the project and grateful for the funding they have already committed to. We’ve had a lot of fun already whilst organising fundraising events and I’m sure there’s much more to follow – all helping us to stay positive about cancer!”
You can donate to Jacqui’s Million via Justgiving at: www.justgiving.com/jacquismillion