Memorial plaque for Doncaster cancer fundraising stalwart Jeannette Fish to be unveiled

Frenchgate Shopping Centre will unveil the plaque to Jeanette Fish MBE, a well-loved member of the Doncaster community who raised millions of pounds for local charities and set up the City’s longest serving charity, The Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust.

The unveiling ceremony in honour of Mrs Fish, who died in 2018, will be attended by many leading Doncaster figures and people she worked alongside, including Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones and MPs Ed Miliband and Dame Rosie Winterton.

Jeannette was a former nurse who co-founded DCDT with Sir Harold Walker MP, in 1972. For over four decades, the DCDT raised over £10 million to help fund state-of-the-art medical equipment for Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

Amongst her many achievements, and one that Jeannette was particularly proud of, was the opening of the £2 million St John's Hospice in 1992 and the £1.5 million second phase, which opened in 2004.

Jeanette was honoured in 2000 when she was appointed an honorary Freeman of the Borough and, in 2012, was awarded an MBE.

Bobbie Roberts MBE, said: "Jeanette had invincible spirit and was a true ambassador for Doncaster. She was as passionate about the town as she was about her charity work.

"Thanks to Jeanette co-founding the DCDT in 1972, the organisation has supported thousands of people to find cancer early and ultimately save lives.

"Although she held her honours with great pride, she remained modest and humble, insisting the trust's incredible achievements were down to a team of volunteers.

"Jeannette was a remarkable woman, a force of nature and an inspiration to the community. Doncaster is a better place because of her dedication and passion."

To help Doncaster people remember their loved ones this Christmas, The DCDT has installed a special memory tree on the ground floor outside Boots. People will receive a memory token to place on the tree in return for a donation.

Karen Staniforth, General Manager, said: "We're delighted to unveil a special memorial plaque in memory of Jeanette Fish. Jeanette was an important member of our community who helped raise millions of pounds over the years for the charities that mean the most to the people of Doncaster.

"Jeanette was a huge inspiration and support to many people, and our memorial plaque is a small gesture to help continue her legacy in Doncaster."

The plaque will be unveiled on Saturday under the main stairway opposite Boots.