A PATIENT has dedicated six months of her time raising awareness of a new cancer centre.

Jacqui Cook was diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2009- she said she only became aware of a new cancer centre being built at Colchester General Hospital about three months ago.

Shocked by the lack of understanding of what was happening, she has dedicated the past three months to raising awareness and will continue to do so until the fundraising deadline in February.

Mrs Cook, 51, from Langham, said: "Being a patient I had no idea there was a cancer centre being built. I'm actually getting out there and feeling shocked how not many people know much about it.

"It just surprised me, about one in 10 people I speak to know what the hospital is trying to do.

"I just want people to become more aware."

She made it her mission to help the Colchester Hospitals Charity reach its £3.25 million target, as well as raise awareness of the building itself.

She said: "First of all I was thinking of how I could raise money, but it takes about a year to organise some events.

"So it then became more of a campaign to unite people in Colchester. My target was £100,000 and I thought it was going to be easy but trying to reach people is quite hard.

"There's plenty of cancer campaigners but a lot of them are country-wide. This one is specific to us and it can effect anybody."

She has been holding fashion shows and other fundraisers and has been contacting businesses to get involved.

Caroline Bates, head of fundraising for Cancer Centre Campaign, said: "Jacqui is doing great work, raising funds and awareness for the campaign and we are delighted to have her support and enthusiasm.

"Her £2 campaign is reaching lots of new supporters and making a real difference."

Jacqui is encouraging everyone to donate just £2 in a bid to get more supporters. She has set up a Just Giving page which has raised just over £2,000.

If anyone is able to support her with fundraising call 07702 850882 or donate to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jacqui-cook4.

The Colchester Hospitals Charity project will bring together chemotherapy, haematology and radiotherapy alongside an unique wellness centre at the Turner Road site.

The deadline for fundraising is in February and there is still about £700,000 left to raise.

To donate to the Gazette appeal, text Gaze11 £10 to 70070 or whatever amount readers wish to donate.

Alternatively, can sign up for fundraising events or donate money to the appeal via the CoHoc website on www.cohoc.org.uk.