Member Article

Men’s cancer appeal breaks away from The Christie

Men’s cancer appeal breaks away from The Christie

Manchester based male cancer appeal, Men Matter, has left the umbrella of The Christie hospital to establish its own charity.

Men Matter, one of only a few UK male cancer appeals, was founded by prostate cancer survivor Bernard Edmunds in 2007 with the aim of raising awareness and much needed funds for male cancer research at The Christie. After nearly eight years and more than £500k raised, the appeal feels ready to step out on its own.

Commenting on the decision Bernard said, “Leaving The Christie was a difficult decision but we feel we are now large and strong enough to drive our own charity ambitions and believe we can do this better as an independent charity.” He went on, “Whilst we respect the fact that we have been able to use The Christie charity number for the last seven years, we feel the freedom to operate independently will bring us the most success in a highly competitive charity fundraising market”.

Male cancer funding is scarce and the funds raised by Men Matter have boosted the male cancer research department at The Christie, headed by Professor Noel Clarke. Here funds have made a significant impact into the research of prostate, testis and penile cancers with the appointment of a Genitourinary Cancer Research Fellow and Biobank Data Technician.

The news from the Charity Commission that Men Matter are now a fully fledged independent charity is nicely timed to coincide with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2015 in March. A man dies every hour from prostate cancer. Despite this being a similar statistic to that of breast cancer, the two receive drastically different amounts of Government funding* and awareness campaigns.

Bernard went on to say, “We will continue to create male health awareness and raise funds for male cancer research at The Christie but with the freedom of our own set of guidelines, regulations and charity number”.

Other organisations can also apply to Men Matter for funding. Requests will be considered by the charity’s Board of Trustees and awarded on a merit basis. Applications are now welcome.

Men Matter are also seeking Manchester businesses to appoint them as their nominated charity for 2015/16. In return the charity can provide packs including marketing materials, literature and presentations, T-shirts, wrist bands, the loan of pop-up banners and the official Men Matter mascot and even speakers for events.

*approx 20% of Gvt cancer funding goes to breast cancer and just 3% to prostate cancer.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jenni Nixon .