Frequently Asked Questions

What differentiates the PMI charity from other prostate charities?

There are three main areas which distinguish PMI from other prostate related charities:

• One of the aims of the PMI charity is to fund and develop an institute focused on prostate research by bringing together international experts both clinicians and scientists to undertake peer reviewed basic and translational research. Initially this will be via funding of the Prostate Biology Group (PBG) unit at Birmingham University.
• PMI will foster international collaborations to maximise cost effectiveness and minimise administrative costs.
• The founders of PMI already have a long established track record of basic and translational research into prostate cancer. They had started the Prostate Biology Group at Imperial College in 1995.

Has the PMI charity targeted specific countries where it will establish and /or support research units?

At present, PMI is a new and developing organisation and will focus initially on consolidating in the UK. However, the costs of research activity can be attenuated in some overseas countries whilst maintaining the highest academic standards. Poland is one such country with which PMI (through the PBG) is already building bridges. One of PMI’s key objectives is to establish a fully functional research unit overseas in the medium term.

What research is currently undertaken by Prostate Biology Group?

PBG addresses four thematic areas:

• Unravelling mechanisms of the development of androgen independent prostate cancer.
• Determining the efficacy of alternative cost effective treatments and their mechanisms of action e.g. estrogens and COX 2 inhibitors.
• Stem cells and their role in the development of prostate cancer.
• Diet and prostate cancer.

Is the Prostate Biology Group solely dependent on funding from the PMI charity?

No. The activities of the PBG have so far have been funded by research councils, charities, government and industry. However, these funding streams tend to be irregular and do not maximise on initial capital investment i.e. they are fixed, short term awards. Whilst these will continue, PMI offers the opportunity to achieve a sustainable, regular additional income allowing for optimal planning and development - especially of key experienced scientific and technical staff who may otherwise be lost.

What are the Prostate Biology Group’s achievements?

Since its inception in 1995, the PBG has:

• Published over 50 academic papers
• Developed over 30 clinicians and scientists who have achieved higher degrees
• Presented over 100 scientific papers in more than 15 countries worldwide
• Raised over £ 3M in grants from research councils, charities, government and industry.
• Achieved national and international publicity of its research.

How much initial capital does the PMI charity require to support the Prostate Biology Group’s ongoing research?

PMI’s initial aim is to fund a complementary research unit within the PBG comprising of:

• 2 post doctoral scientists
• 1 technician
• 1 PhD student
• Equipment
• Research consumables
• Annual recurring cost of approx. £300K

Are there specific laboratory equipment which PMI wishes to purchase?

Our priority at this stage is to fund research staff. There is no immediate need for specific equipment. However, PMI would gratefully accept donations toward specific objectives such as a piece of equipment as the needs arise.

Do the Trustees and Directors of the PMI charity benefit in any way?

No. They will enjoy the philanthropic satisfaction of developing and progressing a new organisation from the beginning. Professor Lalani & Mr Abel may benefit through the publication and dissemination of research by the PBG.

Does the PMI charity have a donor recognition policy?

Yes. PMI will work with large donors to enable their contribution to be publicly acknowledged, where required, in a forum that is acceptable to both parties. PMI shall display donations in a number of categories on its website.

Can an individual or a company contribute monthly by direct debit and/or donate over a number of years?

Yes. Lump sum or regular donations are all of value to the PMI charity whether short-term or long-term.

Will PMI disclose names of donors and amounts donated?

PMI will comply with the wishes of the donors. Some individuals and organisations may not wish to disclose their donation. Donors agreeing to be acknowledged publicly will be listed on the PMI's website.

Will PMI be informing donors/ supporters of PMI’s & PBG’s activities, results, projects and accounts?

Yes. There will be frequent updates on the website and a newsletter will be published regularly. Accounts will be prepared annually by established auditors and available for public scrutiny on the PMI and the Charity Commission websites.

How can I make a donation to Prostate Matters International?

Firstly, we would like to thank you for considering donating to the charity. All donations whether large or small are appreciated and will help our research into prostate diseases. There are a number of ways you can donate to the PMI charity:

• One-off or regular donation by Credit/Debit Card or Direct Debit via JustGiving, a secure way to donate money online.
• One-off donation by cheque or regular donation by Bank Standing Order using PMI's donation and Gift Aid forms.
• By leaving a legacy to PMI. If you wish to leave a legacy to PMI, please email us on: legacy@prostate-matters.org.uk
• By raising funds for PMI through sponsorship events. You can do this either with PMI sponsorship forms or by easily setting up a webpage via the JustGiving.

Any other questions?

This leaflet only lists the most frequently asked questions. If you have a question about PMI which is not addressed here, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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