JACQUI Drake has been dancing all her life - and says it helps to keep her positive.

"My energy levels aren't what they were but I still love to dance, and I find being around dancers very uplifting," says the Bradford dance teacher, who has worked with generations of young performers at her school, Debut Academy, as well as stars including Mark Owen and Gareth Gates. She has choreographed for and performed with many of the district's dramatic societies.

Jacqui is terminally ill with stage 4 malignant melanoma, but anyone who has met her will know how brightly her positivity shines. She was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 1991, and had an operation to remove a mole on her leg. Nearly two decades later, a secondary cancer was discovered and, later, a lump on her other leg. The cancer spread to her lungs and, in 2015, Jacqui had a lung removed.

Now she is running a tireless campaign - Jacqui's Million - to raise £1 million for the Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal, supporting the Bexley Wing at St James's Hospital, Leeds. On Saturday, June 30 she will present a show, Positive Vibes II, in aid of Jacqui's Million. The show - which follows a successful cabaret event last year, raising £9,000 - features 12 youngsters and 22 adults performing numbers from well-loved musicals. Some of the dancers are from Jacqui's academy, Debut.

"There'll be songs from the West End to Broadway, it's cabaret style and we're doing two performances," says Jacqui. "Last year's show was a huge success, and so well supported. We want everyone to come along to this one and support the appeal, while enjoying some fantastic song and dance entertainment. I'm hoping that we'll hit the £100,000 mark for the appeal."

Jacqui wants to help others at the Bexley Wing, where she has had treatment for 10 years. "I want to provide things that make it homely and comfortable, both for patients and relatives staying overnight," she says.

* Positive Vibes II is at Leeds City Varieties on Saturday, June 30. There is a matinee performance at 2.30pm and the evening show is at 7.30pm.

* Tickets are priced £18 and £16 for concessions. Call (0113) 2430808 or email cityvarieties.co.uk