A fundraising campaign spearheaded by Bermuda-based insurer ACE limited's chairman and chief executive officer Brian Duperreault has raised a record breaking $1.4 million for breast cancer research.

Mr. Duperreault chaired the 2000 Spirit of Life campaign on behalf of City of Hope, a Los Angeles-based organisation at the forefront of research to find a cure for breast cancer.

Of the $1.4 million, $200,000 was raised by ACE Ltd. employees -- and of that total, $22,000 will be contributed to the Bermuda TB Cancer and Health Association, a spokesman for ACE Ltd. said.

The ACE chairman was honoured at a gala dinner in Chicago on November 9 where he was presented with the 2000 Spirit of Life Award by City of Hope chief development officer Steve Solton.

Mr. Solton said ACE had executed an effective fundraising campaign that had resonated within the insurance industry.

"It is most certainly a measure of the high regard with which the insurance industry and the ACE community hold Brian Duperreault that this campaign has been so successful,'' he said.

"In raising a record amount, ACE has also raised the bar for this annual initiative; the gauntlet is down for next year's Spirit of Life honouree.

"I'm sure this is a challenge that will be welcomed, given that the ultimate beneficiaries are those who deserve it the most -- the men and women who have been, either directly or indirectly, affected by this dread disease.'' Mr. Duperreault noted his gratitude for the support the Insurance Industry Council had give the campaign and added: "What makes me even more delighted is that $200,000 of the total comes from ACE employees, executives and members of our Board.

"Their support, in particular, has been overwhelming and is one of the reasons that we were able to raise a record amount for City of Hope.'' Brian Duperrault