WHEN Jacqui Drake was diagnosed with terminal cancer she was determined to stay positive. And she has channelled that positivity into a campaign to raise £1 million for the centre where she is treated.

Jacqui, 55, of Apperley Bridge, has so far raised more than £110,000, boosted by products created for her ‘Positivity’ range. As well as scented candles and beakers, she now has gin glasses bearing her Positivity message.

The glasses will be launched at Bar Lusso in Greengates, a new bar opened by Aldo Devittoris next door to his restaurant, Aldo’s Italian. The restaurant opened last year, after Mr Devittoris’s previous venue, The Ital, was hit by arson in 2016.

“They have sponsored 250 gin glasses,” said Jacqui. “Each glass costs £10 which goes to my appeal, Jacqui’s Million. Aldo’s are also selling two ‘Positivity Potion’ cocktails, for each one sold in the bar, £1 goes to the appeal. The gin has been made by The Artful Pour in Yeadon and OMG 45% in Harden.”

Jacqui, who has stage 4 skin cancer, is fundraising for the Leeds Cancer Centre, the Bexley Wing of St James’s Hospital in Leeds. "I want to provide the touches that make it homely, like soft furnishings and overnight items for relatives staying with patients," she said. "I've been treated there for 10 years by amazing doctors, nurses, surgeons and oncologists - now I’m giving something back.”

Jacqui, former principal of Debut Academy in Shipley, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 1991 after finding a mole on her leg. She had it removed but 18 years later a secondary cancer spread, and in 2015 she had a lung removed. Shortly after, she almost died due to pneumocystis, a rare form of pneumonia.

Jacqui's Million has been boosted by a series of fundraising ventures, including a recipe book and cabaret shows. Jacqui is organising a gala ball, with a Greatest Showman theme, on March 23, 2019, at Aspire in Leeds.

“I've had so much support from Bradford people, it means the world to me," said Jacqui. "Everyone is touched by cancer in some way, my appeal is a way of helping patients and their families. I'm thrilled to have made £110,000 - I'm aiming for £12,000 by Christmas."

Jacqui will launch her Positivity gin glasses at Bar Lusso, Harrogate Road, Greengates on Thursday, November 29 from 5pm. She will be joined by local Brownies at bag packs at Tesco, Canal Road, on November 28 and December 13, 6-8pm, and December 23, 11am-5pm.

Email jacqui.dake1@btinternet.com or ring 07768 351683.