Philip Powdrill
I'm supporting Jacqui's Million in raising one million pound for Leeds Cancer Centre through the power of positive thinking.
Fundraising for Leeds Hospitals Charity
Story
Melanoma Awareness
At the start of 2022, a small crack appeared at the base of my left thumbnail. All looked pretty innocuous at the time.
Today, I can't make it to the end of the front of our home without the assistance of my partner, Karen, and a wheelchair.
It transpired that I had a melanoma growing under my thumbnail.
The leading cause of melanoma is ultraviolet light from the sun, it's a type of skin cancer that can spread quickly to other areas of the body. Unfortunately, in my case, the melanoma in my thumb had already started to spread through my body.
Most people are blissfully unaware of the need to do more to protect themselves from the dangers the sun poses to our health. As the number of melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK continues to rise, I am a prime example of the consequences of that ignorance.
My goal is to help raise awareness of the dangers of the sun in the best way I can.
Australian research has led the fight against all skin cancers for many years, and advances are being made around the globe all of the time, giving hope to everyone suffering from this cruel disease.
The team treating me in Leeds is world-class, and I have nothing but total admiration for their work. Not least of all, the long hours they all work for scant reward.
But I have to tell you about Jacqui Drake.
Jacqui Drake is an astonishing lady. She's proof that it's possible not just to survive, but to thrive and to live a healthy, wonderful life.
Jacqui, a fellow Melanoma patient, was first diagnosed in 2013. Our paths have crossed in Leeds on a number of occasions, and I've always walked away with a renewed feeling of positivity and hope.
Her aim to raise £1m for the specialist oncology unit, the Bexley Wing, at Leeds St. James's Hospital is no small feat, and she's almost halfway there. The unit treats over 5,000 cancer patients every year.
It's a cause I feel incredibly passionate about as well. The Melanoma team at Leeds are exceptional and I want to help their cause in any way I can.
Jacqui's Million is more than just raising well-needed funds; it's also about "peer support," which is very special and precious to Jacqui. She helps patients and their families in their time of need, giving them hope and positivity. She firmly believes you can live a positive life with the "big C".
Together we can beat Cancer.
So please join me in my challenge to help Jacqui achieve her goal and legacy and bring in that much-needed Million.
Every Pound counts!
To see Jacqui's full story, visit:
