Charity registration number 1003674 (England and Wales)
DESTINATION FLORIDA
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
DESTINATION FLORIDA
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | S Ashworth FRICS | |
|---|---|---|
| G Mason OBE | ||
| M Sharples | ||
| B Morrison | ||
| S Armstrong | ||
| D Phillips | ||
| S.Lilley | (Appointed 2 March 2026) | |
| Dr. G.Mason | (Appointed 10 December | |
| 2025) | ||
| Charity number (England and Wales) | 1003674 | |
| Principal address | The Sharp Project | |
| Thorp Road | ||
| Manchester | ||
| M40 5BJ | ||
| Independent examiner | Mark Turner FCA | |
| Champion Accountants LLP | ||
| 1 Worsley Court | ||
| High Street | ||
| Worsley | ||
| Manchester | ||
| M28 3NJ | ||
| Bankers | Co-Operative Bank | |
| Team 605 | ||
| PO Box 250 | ||
| Skelmersdale | ||
| Lancashire | ||
| WN8 6WT |
DESTINATION FLORIDA
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 14 |
DESTINATION FLORIDA
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
The Trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Structure, governance and management
The Charity is governed by the Trust Deed and registered with the Charity Commission
The Trustees are a small group who put in a tremendous amount of work to ensure the continued success of the Charity. The Trustees constantly review the constitution of the Board. The Trustees have a wealth of experience behind them, and it is a privilege to work with such a committed and supportive group of people, many of them are “hands-on” and I cannot thank them enough for the major role they play in the success of the charity.
The Trustees are supported by the Charity's office team, Rachel Radnor, Charley Kerr, and Georgina Alexander-Pulham, whose work is essential to the smooth running of Destination Florida and the delivery of its mission. Dr. Adam Nicholls stepped down as a Trustee on 18 November 2025, and Dr. Graham Mason was appointed a Trustee on the10 December 2025
Trustee meetings are held every 6 weeks to review policy, approve major expenditure, and monitor all recent and upcoming Charity activities. Each event's projected revenue and costs are examined, and post-event accounts are compared against forecasts.
At the start of each financial year, the Trustees agree an annual income and expenditure budget. At every meeting,they review financial performance against this plan, highlight variances, and assess the outlook for the remainder of the year. Where necessary, additional events are scheduled to address any anticipated shortfall in funds.
Risk review
The major risks to which the charity is exposed , as identified by the Trustees ,are reviewed on an annual basis and systems have been established to mitigate these risks.
Objectives and activities
Destination Florida continues to thrive, consistently delivering its mission of giving children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions the chance to experience a once in a lifetime trip to Florida.
On 3 October 2025, a further 71 children, supported by a dedicated team of carers, enjoyed an unforgettable week away. The many letters of thanks we receive from families highlight the deep and lasting impact these trips create..
The Board of Trustees remains fully committed to the Charity’s aims, working hard to ensure that every trip brings joy, hope, and meaningful memories to the children and families we support.
- 1 -
DESTINATION FLORIDA
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Achievements and performance
Destination Florida continues to thrive, consistently delivering its mission of giving children with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions the chance to experience a once in a lifetime trip to Florida. On the 3 October, a further 71 children, supported by 113 dedicated carers, travelled to Florida for another unforgettable week. Throughout this period, extensive fundraising continued, both to secure the success of the 2025 trip and to safeguard future trips, including the next planned for October 2027. We are steadily building a strong base of supportive donors , while recognising that every contribution, large or small, plays an important role .
The Trustees recognise the increasing financial pressures associated with the rising trip cost. In response, the Charity is expanding its fundraising efforts through additional internal events and by strengthening partnerships with local businesses and the wider community.
Ladies Lunch – April 2025
Held at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester, our annual Ladies Lunch was a great success, raising over £34,000 . It has become a key event in our calendar, offering an enjoyable opportunity to engage supporters .
Summer Ball – June 2025
Our flagship fundraising event, the Summer Ball, at The Hilton Deansgate, achieved exceptional attendance and generosity, raising more than £109,000. This remains our most significant event in both income and community engagement.
Breakfast with Santa – December 2025
We hosted three Breakfast with Santa events, two at Cloud 23,Hilton Hotel and one volunteer-led event at the Village Hotel in Bury. Together they raised an impressive £8,550.These events welcomed the wider community, offering families the chance to meet Santa, enjoy festive activities, and learn more about the Charity.
The Trustees extend their sincere thanks to all individuals, families, companies, community groups, clubs, and societies for their fundraising support over the past twelve months.
They also wish to acknowledge and thank their fellow Trustees for the time, knowledge and expertise they contribute to ensuring Destination Florida is governed effectively. The Trustees remain fully aware of how vital this Charity is to the children and families who benefit from its work.
Financial review
Like many charities, Destination Florida continues to face significant challenges in raising the substantial funds required,particularly in the current economic climate. As a result, the Trustees and support team are working harder than ever to ensure the Charity's finances are closely monitored and carefully managed , especially with the anticipated cost of the October 2027 trip.
Sustained, proactive fundraising remains essential. Throughout 2025, our fundraising activities have been maintained and strengthened to meet the financial demands of the next scheduled trip. The continued success of these efforts is vital to ensuring we can deliver the life-changing experiences at the heart of our mission.
Despite the considerable increase in costs associated with organising a trip of this scale, the Charity's finances remain under regular review by the Trustees. They remain mindful of the need for consistent fundraising and the importance of maintaining the support of those who attend and contribute to our events.
The Trustees also wish to thank our fellow Trustee Ged Mason for generously providing premises for our general office. In addition, we gratefully acknowledge the contribution of Champion Accountants LLP, who donate their team's time and expertise to provide a management accounts and produce the annual report and accounts each financial year. These contributions are deeply appreciated
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the Charity to maintain a level of reserves sufficient to cover the cost of a trip to Florida two years before the trip actually occurs. This means a reserve in the region of £450,000 is considered adequate.
- 2 -
DESTINATION FLORIDA
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
Plans for future periods
The Charity intends to continue to achieve its objectives of biennially providing the trip of a lifetime for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses for the foreseeable future.
As stated previously, a further trip took place in October 2025 and was highly successful. Fundraising for the 2027 trip has already commemced.The Trustees will carefully consider all aspects of the upcoming trip to ensure it delivers another unforgettable experience for a very special group of children. It is anticipated that approximately 72 children will take part in this life changing journey.
The expenses of the charity are kept under constant review.
Trustees
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
S Ashworth FRICS
G Mason OBE A Nicholls M Sharples B Morrison S Armstrong D Phillips S.Lilley Dr. G.Mason
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
S Ashworth FRICS
Chairman Dated: 20 August 2026
- 3 -
DESTINATION FLORIDA
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF DESTINATION FLORIDA
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Destination Florida (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
-
2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
-
3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Mark Turner FCA
Champion Accountants LLP 1 Worsley Court High Street Worsley Manchester M28 3NJ 20 August 2026
- 4 -
DESTINATION FLORIDA
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||
| Charitable activities | 3 | 592,221 | 528,973 |
| Investments | 4 | 4,876 | 2,426 |
| Total income | 597,097 | 531,399 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Charitable activities | 5 | 659,447 | 202,695 |
| Total expenditure | 659,447 | 202,695 | |
| Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds | (62,350) | 328,704 | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||
| Fund balances at 1 January 2025 | 457,041 | 128,337 | |
| Fund balances at 31 December 2025 | 394,691 | 457,041 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
- 5 -
DESTINATION FLORIDA
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds 14 |
2025 £ 396,061 (1,417) |
£ 47 394,644 394,691 394,691 394,691 |
2024 £ 458,534 (1,548) |
£ 55 456,986 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 457,041 | ||||
| 457,041 | ||||
| 457,041 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 20 August 2026
S Ashworth FRICS Chairman
- 6 -
DESTINATION FLORIDA
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Destination Florida is an unincorporated charity.
1.1 Accounting convention
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4 Incoming resources
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
- 7 -
DESTINATION FLORIDA
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:
-
expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising activities, events, non-charitable trading activities, and the sale of donated goods.
-
expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.
-
other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities.
All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Fixtures, fittings & equipment 15% reducing balance Computers 33% straight line
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
1.7 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
- 8 -
DESTINATION FLORIDA
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.8 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.9 Employee benefits
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
1.10 Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
- 9 -
DESTINATION FLORIDA
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
3 Charitable activities
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Income from Charitable Activities | 592,221 | 528,973 | |
| 4 | Income from investments | ||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Interest receivable | 4,876 | 2,426 | |
| 5 | Charitable activities | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Staff costs | 1,595 | 1,524 | |
| Direct Foreign Exchange | 309 | - | |
| Direct wages and salaries | 75,006 | 86,064 | |
| Fundraising events | 525,112 | 98,254 | |
| 602,022 | 185,842 | ||
| Share of support costs (see note 6) | 53,324 | 12,494 | |
| Share of governance costs (see note 6) | 4,101 | 4,359 | |
| 659,447 | 202,695 | ||
| Analysis by fund | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 659,447 | ||
| 659,447 | |||
| For the year ended 31 December 2024 | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 202,695 | ||
| 202,695 |
- 10 -
DESTINATION FLORIDA
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| 6 Support costs Support costs Governance costs £ £ Depreciation 8 - Sundry Expenses 694 - Printing, Postage and Stationery 7,693 - Premises Expenses - - Computer costs 3,145 - Rates - - Legal and Professional 4,529 - Insurance 37,255 - Support costs heading 10 - - Audit fees - 2,500 Bank Charges - 569 Telephone - 1,032 53,324 4,101 Analysed between Charitable activities 53,324 4,101 7 Net movement in funds The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting): Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets |
2025 £ 8 694 7,693 - 3,145 - 4,529 37,255 - 2,500 569 1,032 57,425 57,425 |
2024 Basis of allocation £ 10 Support 902 Support 2,981 Support 278 Support 3,162 Support 173 Support 3,158 Support 1,601 Support 229 Support 2,500 Governance 922 Governance 937 Governance 16,853 16,853 2025 2024 £ £ 2,500 2,500 8 10 |
|---|---|---|
8 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
9 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Number | Number |
| 3 | 3 |
- 11 -
DESTINATION FLORIDA
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| 9 Employees Employment costs Other pension costs There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000. |
(Continued) 2025 2024 £ £ 1,595 1,524 |
|---|---|
Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:
10 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
11 Tangible fixed assets
| Tangible fixed assets | |
|---|---|
| Fixtures, fittings & equipment Computers £ £ Cost At 1 January 2025 1,194 12,576 At 31 December 2025 1,194 12,576 Depreciation and impairment At 1 January 2025 1,139 12,576 Depreciation charged in the year 8 - At 31 December 2025 1,147 12,576 Carrying amount At 31 December 2025 47 - At 31 December 2024 55 - |
Total £ 13,770 |
| 13,770 | |
| 13,715 8 |
|
| 13,723 | |
| 47 | |
| 55 |
12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Other taxation and social security | 1,417 | 1,548 |
- 12 -
DESTINATION FLORIDA
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
13 Retirement benefit schemes
| Retirement benefit schemes | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Defined contribution schemes | £ | £ |
| Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes | 1,595 | 1,524 |
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
14 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At 1 General funds Previous year: At 1 General funds |
January 2025 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 December 2025 £ £ £ £ 457,041 597,097 (659,447) 394,691 January 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended At 31 December 2024 £ £ £ £ 128,337 531,399 (202,695) 457,041 |
|---|---|
15 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted | |
|---|---|
| funds | |
| 2025 | |
| £ | |
| At 31 December 2025: | |
| Tangible assets | 47 |
| Current assets/(liabilities) | 394,644 |
| 394,691 |
- 13 -
DESTINATION FLORIDA
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| 15 | Analysis of net assets between funds | (Continued) |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | ||
| funds | ||
| 2024 | ||
| £ | ||
| At 31 December 2024: | ||
| Tangible assets | 55 | |
| Current assets/(liabilities) | 456,986 | |
| 457,041 |
- 14 -