TODAY - International Women's Day - we celebrate the remarkable JACQUI DRAKE who, despite having stage 4 skin cancer, is working tirelessly to raise £1 million for other cancer patients.

Here Jacqui, 57, of Apperley Bridge, writes about the latest stage of her appeal, to provide equipment and home comforts for a cancer treatment centre, which has led her to be nominated for two awards:

Last year, still in a difficult times and with only two physical events, we raised a staggering £59,600 for my appeal, Jacqui's Million, which now stands at an incredible £291,087.

I always feel so humble at everyone's continued support and generosity. I am hoping to reach £350,000 by the end of this year.

This year, now the restrictions have been lifted, we have so many varied events - from our very popular Mad Hatter's PositiviTEA Party on May 8, an East meet West Ball on June 18, Bare All For Cancer on October 19 and our Positively Musicals Cabaret on November 27, plus so much more!

We have something going on virtually every month! It really is keeping me busy and positive!

The funds raised go directly to Jacqui's Million for the care of cancer patients at The Bexley - Leeds Cancer Centre. One of the things we are fundraising for is an additional Bereavement Nurse, this is a cost of £53,000 for just one year. The role is vital and so needed, supporting families of patients who have died in the cancer centre's care.

Leeds Cancer Centre has an excellent reputation for end of life care and the aim is to extend the service to meet the increasing demand from families.

In connection with my children's sun awareness book, Adventures in the Sun with Edi, Hassan and Chen, Sandra Hudson, who wrote the book with me, and I would like to see this in primary education and we are working on a pack of resources for schools to go alongside the book.

Skin cancer is one of the cancers we can prevent - 86per cent of melanoma cases are preventable and 80per cent of sun damage happens before the age of 18. We must educate both children and their families.

I am delighted that I have been nominated for not one but two awards at the Yorkshire Choice Awards. I am nominated for Local Fundraiser of the Year and also the Kate Granger Award for Outstanding Contribution. I am so made up to receive these nominations and I would love people to vote for me. The closing date is the end of March.

It would be an honour to pick up one of these awards as it would mean so much to me, Jacqui's Million and all the cancer patients we help.

The Kate Granger award is particularly special as Kate was a doctor at St James's Hospital who sadly died of cancer. Her campaign is 'Hello my name is...'

* To vote for Jacqui go to yorkshirechoiceawards.co.uk/votehere

To pledge a donation to Jacqui's Million go to justgiving.com/jacquismillion