Entrepreneur takes fundraising boosting role at £43.8m a year charity

Prostate Cancer UK has appointed a tech entrepreneur and ex-advisor to former Prime Minister David Cameron to chair its newly created development board, which the charity has set up to accelerate its fundraising efforts.

Alastair Lukies will work with the men’s health charity “to secure the resources needed to revolutionise early diagnosis, unlock research to discover better treatments and secure funding for support services for men and loved ones”, it said.

According to the charities register the charity's spending has outstripped its income for the last two years.

This details that for the 12 months to March 2024 the charity's income was £43.82m, however its total spend over the same period was £51.49m.

The previous year its income was £33.95m, while it spent £34.34m.

The charity’s chief executive Laura Kerby added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Alastair to this exciting new role at Prostate Cancer UK and look forward to working together.

“His passion for making a lasting impact for men and those who love them, combined with his strategic insight, extensive networks and business acumen, make him an outstanding addition to our team at a crucial time in our charity’s history.”

Lukies founded mobile banking form Monitise more than 20 years age, which at one stage employed 1,700 staff globally.

He is currently chief engagement officer and global advisory board chairman for AI and business transformation group Endava, founder and chair of Pollinate International, and chairman of the Fintech Alliance.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to join Prostate Cancer UK,” said Lukies.

“From prostate cancer becoming the most common cancer in England, to a spate of high-profile diagnoses including that of President Biden, this year alone has shown the urgent need for bold, innovative action on one of the biggest health risks men face.

“I’m committed to helping unlock the funding and partnerships needed to fuel life-changing research, speed up early diagnosis, and ensure no man faces this disease without support. This is a moment for us to be ambitious because men’s lives are on the line.”