£1,000 cash boost for Lancashire charity from Miller Homes

After the success of Miller Homes’ first round of its inaugural Community Fund, the second round of funding has commenced with its next beneficiaries already selected. Starting last year and through to this year, the fund has so far supported almost 100 charities and groups across the UK.

The Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal, a vital Burnley-based charity perhaps best known for its popular screening days which see hundreds of men across the town sign up for blood tests, is one such group to receive funding from the builder. The charity has been awarded a £1000 cash grant, which will help fund further events.

The registered charity was set up by Barry Kilby, former director of Burnley Football Club, who himself is living with prostate cancer. The appeal was created to encourage men to get tested for by having a simple PSA blood test. Testing days are held at sporting venues such as football stadiums, golf clubs and cricket grounds and are all run by volunteers. 

Since 2015, the Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal has tested nearly 10,000 men with over 800 having a raised PSA level, prompting them to get further medical treatment. 

Barry Kilby commented: “At the moment, there is no screening offered to men for prostate cancer on the NHS. This can result in a late diagnosis and sadly in most cases, no cure, so our offer of a simple blood test is highly important for earlier treatments and recovery. The money from Miller Homes will go towards funding our future screening events in the area and hopefully educating the men of Burnley on the importance of getting tested too.”

The next screening event is due to take place at Clitheroe Golf Club on 7th October, with the cash donation from Miller Homes’ Community Fund going directly towards the running of this event. 

The Community Fund initiative was set up by the builder in September 2022, for local groups to have the opportunity to apply for donations between a minimum of £250 and a maximum of £2,000 as part of Miller Homes’ ongoing commitment to support communities. 

Clare Noakes, Miller Homes’ sales director for the North West, said: “What’s great about our Community Fund is that it benefits all different types of charities, and this appeal is no different. Our selection committee knew we had to support this one – what an amazing and incredibly important cause.”

The Miller Homes Community Fund has been instrumental in providing financial support to numerous community groups across the North West and throughout the UK. The initiative aims to empower local charities and community organisations, ensuring they have the resources needed to continue their valuable work. Through this program, Miller Homes has allocated a total of £100,000 annually across its ten regional offices, supporting a wide range of initiatives that benefit communities nationwide.

The Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal is based close by to two Miller Homes developments, The Calders in Cliviger, which is based on Red Lees Road, and Montague Place in Clitheroe. To find out more about the developments, you can visit the website where you can also register interest or visit the sales centres.