CHARITIES, schools and community projects are £2 million better off – thanks to a Hampshire foundation.

The Barker-Mill Foundation is celebrating after donating £2m to hundreds of organisations in the south.

The foundation has donated money since 1995 when members of the Barker-Mill family gave funds in memory of their father and grandfather Peter Barker-Mill.

In nearly 20 years it has given vital financial support to good causes in order to help sustain and expand their good work throughout the region.

Recent donations include a £5,000 lifeline to Wessex Cancer Trust, which is facing a surge in demand as other charities cut back on their help for patients with cancer and their families.

A £4,000 cheque went to SAFESouthampton Action for Employment, adding to a previous grant of £2,000 in 2011. The group helps hundreds of young people improve their job and training prospects.

And £5,000 was given to Gift of Sight to research blindness and battle sight problems in the world’s poorest countries. A £1,500 donation also helped fund a trip through the Dream Holidays charity for a Hampshire family with a child suffering from cystic fibrosis.

Barker-Mill Estates Trustee Tim Jobling, said: “To have reached £2m in donations is a landmark moment for the Barker-Mill Foundation, especially at a time when money is short for these vital initiatives.

“It’s a source of great pride that so many have benefitted from this money which has enabled dedicated people to keep working for their communities, making such a difference.

“They are the real heroes and we intend to keep giving them our full support in the years to come, so even more people can benefit.

“I’m looking forward to hitting more landmark donation totals in the future.”

SAFE project manager Andy Foreman, added: “The positive impact of funding like this on communities, and the families and individuals that make them up, cannot be underestimated.

Our work really depends on the generosity of organisations like the Barker- Mill Foundation, and we are thrilled to have its continued support.”

Previously known as the Peter Barker-Mill Memorial Charity the foundation mainly makes donations to local charities, schools, organisations and individuals needing support in Hampshire.

To find out if you are eligible for funding go online and log on to barkermillfoundation.com.