A Bridgnorth volunteer group has received a £1,000 donation from a regional builder to go towards its annual prostate screening day which last year was thought to be the largest event of its type in the UK.
Persimmon Homes West Midlands handed over the cheque after Bridgnorth Lions was selected as one of the housebuilder’s Community Champions.
Bridgnorth Lions has been serving the community since 1976 and has more than 20 volunteers who help raise funds.
Its annual prostate screening day will be held in October and sees hundreds of men descend on the community hall for blood tests that can detect early signs of the illness.
The event will take place in Bridgnorth on Monday, October 26, from 6pm at Castle Hall, West Castle Street.
In total, £24,000 will be donated by Persimmon Homes West Midlands by March 2016. It will be a slice of £750,000 that is being given away by the company nationally.
Colin Thomas, treasurer of Bridgnorth Lions, said: “The event is the largest single screening event of its type held in the UK with some 750 men attending last year. This year, again we need to raise approximately £10,000 to cover the cost of running the event even though our consultant urologist, David Baxter-Smith, gives his time for free.
“We are aware of many individuals who have been successfully treated as a result of our screening – none of whom had any indication prior to their test of any abnormalities. We thank Persimmon Homes for its donation and it takes us a step closer to another screening event this year.”
Stephen Cleveley, sales director for Persimmon Homes West Midlands, said: “Bridgnorth Lions has been a huge part of the community in Shropshire for decades and its annual prostrate screening event underlines this.
“Many men are getting much-needed checks thanks to Bridgnorth Lions and we wanted to do all we could to support them.”
Mr Cleveley urged other charities to apply for the Community Champions initiative, he added: “Persimmon Homes West Midlands has had a fantastic response to its Community Champions scheme and it is always a difficult choice from so many worthy causes
“If people were unsuccessful last month, we urge them to visit the Persimmon Homes website and to try again and hopefully they will become our next Community Champion.”
To nominate and to find out about the terms and conditions people can visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity