‘Your passion for the cause is limitless’

A letter addressed to Jacqueline Dugan of Bath.

Dear Jacqueline, I am writing to congratulate you and all past and present members and supporters of the Bath Fundraising Group as you celebrate 50 years of fundraising to beat blood cancer.

We are so very lucky to have your support. The tireless work that you have done over the years in both raising awareness of blood cancer and fundraising for Blood Cancer UK via your group is truly remarkable. You have raised over £613,000 since starting in 1971 - which is both incredible and deeply humbling.

Because of your support an example of how you’ve helped us is by allowing us to play a crucial role in improving survival from childhood cancers like acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). We funded the collection of samples from children with ALL and the research that went hand-in-hand with the UK childhood ALL trials, since the 1970s. These trials resulted in the creation of the minimal residual disease test: one of the biggest cancer breakthroughs of the last 30 years. With over 40,000 people being diagnosed with blood cancer every year and around 250,000 people living with blood cancer in the UK, your support matters more than ever.

From being an integral part of our team at the Bath Half Marathon for many years cheering our runners on to selling hundreds of cakes to selling candy floss with your fundraising partner Jan, ending up looking a bit like two Mrs Slocombe’s I am told at a prison fete, just proves how nothing is ever too much for you. Your commitment, determination and passion for the cause is limitless.