A BRADFORD dancer teacher who has terminal cancer is holding a gala ball as part of a drive to raise £1million for patients.

Jacqui Drake, who has stage 4 skin cancer, has raised more than £100,000 towards her goal to support the Bexley Wing of St James's Hospital in Leeds, where she has treatment. Her fundraising campaign, Jacqui's Millions, looks set to be boosted by a ball inspired by hit film The Greatest Showman.

"I'm delighted to have broken through the £100,000 mark. There's a long way to go but the campaign has so much support from Bradford people, " said Jacqui, of Apperley Bridge. "The aim is provide things for the Bexley Wing that the NHS budget doesn’t include - details that make it homely and comfortable, like soft furnishings and overnight items for relatives staying with patients. I have been treated there for 10 years by the most amazing doctors, nurses, surgeons and oncologists - now I'm giving something back."

Jacqui, 55, is the principal of Debut Academy in Shipley. She was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 1991 after finding a mole on her leg. She had an operation to remove it but 18 years later a secondary cancer was found. Despite several operations, the cancer spread and in 2015 she had a lung removed. The following year she almost died due to pneumocystis, a rare form of pneumonia. “The care I've had at Jimmy's has been tremendous. I can’t thank the doctors and nurses enough,” she said.

Despite ongoing treatment, Jacqui set about organising fundraising ventures. She released a recipe book, with each recipe published in return for a donation in memory of a loved one, brought out a range of scented ‘Positivity candles’, and organised two cabaret shows, which raised nearly £18,000. "I've sold over 400 Positivity candles, now I'm bringing out Positivity china beakers with coasters. They come in a gift box bearing my positivity message that's on the candles," said Jacqui. "I'm looking to produce 500, which would make £5,000. I'd love it if a local company would sponsor them."

Jacqui's gala ball is on March 23, 2019 at Aspire in Leeds. "There'll be a champagne reception followed by a three-course meal, with an eight-piece swing band playing music from The Greatest Showman. A night not to be missed!" said Jacqui. "I've had so much support; I had an anonymous donation of £492 on my justgiving page, people have jumped out of 'planes, done the Great North run, organised a Christmas 'carol-o-thon'. Traders at St James's Market in Bradford raised over £15,000 from a ball.

"The fundraising has inspired people to talk to me about their own experiences of cancer. They say, 'You've given me hope'. I'm terminally ill but I live with absolute positivity. I’m realistic about what I can and can’t do, but I’m grateful for each day."

* Tickets for the Jacqui's Millions Ball go on sale on September 1. Call Jacqui on 07768 351683 or email jacqui.drake1@btinternet.com