3 May 2013
Official opening of the Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre
The Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre at the University of Dundee - named in honour of the inspirational leader of the Ninewells Cancer Campaign - will be officially opened by Professor Sir David Lane today, Friday May 3rd.
Jacqui Wood, who died in 2011, led the Ninewells Cancer Campaign for 20 years, during which time the campaign raised more than £18million to support cancer research and treatment in Dundee.
The Jacqui Wood Centre brings to fruition a long-held vision of Jacqui's to locate the Medical School's clinical and laboratory research work on cancer in a single location.
The completion and the equipping of the building has been helped enormously by funds from the special appeal run by Ninewells Cancer Campaign over the last two years in memory of Jacqui.
Lady Fiona Fraser, Chair of the Ninewells Cancer Campaign, said, "The support for the Special Appeal in memory of Jacqui Wood from local charitable trusts, companies, individuals, groups and clubs has been amazing and is testament to the high regard in which Jacqui was held. She worked tirelessly to raise funds for cancer work at Ninewells and I think she would have been very proud of the completion of the Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre."
Jacqui's husband Aubrey said the honour of having a building named after her was something which would never have entered her mind.
"Jacqui would never have expected a building to be named after her, she was only interested in furthering the quest for a cure for cancer and with the hope that the work at Dundee would go a long way towards this aim," said Aubrey.
Sir David Lane, who himself did much to establish Dundee's reputation as a international renowned centre for cancer research, is returning to the city to open the Centre.
"I am delighted that David is able to be with us to open the new centre in Jacqui's name," said Professor Roland Wolf, Director of the Medical Research Institute at the University.
"David was one of the biggest influences in really establishing Dundee as a centre for cancer research so it is very fitting that he is here to start this next chapter in what has been an amazing story. Over the past 20 years, and with the great help of the Ninewells Cancer Campaign and the public who have contributed so generously to it, we have made significant forward strides leading to this point, where we have around 40 research groups and 200 staff working in cancer research.
"We now have an outstanding research environment and excellent research taking place in cancer prevention, leading towards the development of new and personalised treatments, particularly in colon, skin, breast, ovarian and other cancers."
Professor Sir David Lane said, "I am really delighted to be able to come back to Dundee for this occasion. It is wonderful that Jacqui will be remembered in this way, by naming this fantastic new centre after her. She was a truly inspiring person who I was honored to work with. She was selfless, full of fun and passionate for the cause of reducing suffering from cancer in the world through supporting research. My greatest hope is that her memory will inspire everyone who works in this building, as she inspired me, to work selflessly and with every effort possible, to eliminate this disease."
Professor John Connell, Dean of the University's School of Medicine, said, "This Centre is a fitting monument to the memory of Jacqui Wood, who worked tirelessly to support cancer research in Dundee. She would, I am sure, have been delighted to see this kind of facility here at Ninewells and the work that is happening here."
NHS Tayside Chief Executive Gerry Marr said, "Dundee is a world renowned centre for cancer treatment and research and this new facility, built in memory of Dr Jacqui Wood who worked tirelessly spearheading the Ninewells Cancer Campaign, will significantly improve the lives of cancer patients."
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