Brass Bands England (BBE) has announced that its Chairperson, Mike Kilroy, will temporarily step back from his responsibilities with the organisation following a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

He is currently following a treatment plan and has taken the decision to reduce his BBE commitments while he focuses on his health.

Undergoing treatment

"I've recently been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and am currently undergoing treatment,"he said. "For the time being, my priority has to be getting the illness under control, and I've therefore decided to step back from some of my responsibilities with Brass Bands England while I focus on my treatment.

I'm very grateful for the support I have already received, and I know that BBE is in very good hands. We have a strong Board of Trustees and staff team, and appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure that the organisation continues its work as normal."

Driving force

Since taking on the role as Chairperson in 2013, Mike Kilroy has been a driving force behind BBE's success — one that has seen the organisation hugely increase its core funding and membership base, initiate numerous initiatives and more recently successfully work to reinstate the All Party Parliamentary Group on Brass Bands in Westminster.

A much admired figure as a player, adjudicator and administrator he has gained widespread respect for his positive leadership role within BBE and his openness to discuss both its successes and challenges.

Challenge

It is also something that he brings this personal challenge too.

"I also hope that by being open about my diagnosis, something positive might come from what I am going through,"he said.

"Prostate cancer affects a great many men and their families, and if sharing my situation encourages even one person to take their health seriously, to be aware of the risks and to seek appropriate medical advice, then that can only be a good thing.

For now, I'm concentrating on my treatment and taking things as they come. I very much appreciate everyone's understanding and good wishes."

I also hope that by being open about my diagnosis, something positive might come from what I am going throughMike Kilroy

Richards role

4BR was informed that during Mike's absence, BBE Vice-Chairperson Paul Richards will undertake the responsibilities of Chairperson in relation to the governance of the Board of Trustees. He will also act as the point of contact for any significant matters relating to BBE on which members or others require advice or guidance from the Board.

A BBE spokesperson added: "These arrangements will ensure continuity in BBE's governance and leadership, with the Board of Trustees and staff team continuing the organisation's work on behalf of its members and the wider brass band community.

The Trustees and staff of Brass Bands England send Mike their very best wishes as he undergoes treatment and look forward to welcoming him back to his BBE responsibilities when he feels able to return."

Contact:

Any members wishing to contact Paul or any other members of the BBE team for support should contact the BBE office on info@bbe.org.uk or 01226 771 015 in the first instance.