ASTRO BRAIN TUMOUR FUND
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
5[th] APRIL 2025
ASTRO BRAIN TUMOUR FUND
Legal and Administrative Information
| Registered Charity Number | 1133561 |
|---|---|
| Trustees | Mrs M Burton |
| Mrs L Rickford | |
| Mr R Burton | |
| Ms A Scrutton | |
| Mr N Blatherwick | |
| Mrs D. Emerton | |
| Mrs K. Phillips | |
| Independent Examiner | A Borland F.C.A. |
| 75 Newnham Street | |
| Ely | |
| Cambs | |
| CB7 4PQ | |
| Bankers | Barclays Bank |
| Correspondence address | 15 Eastgate |
| Holme Next the Sea | |
| Hunstanton | |
| Norfolk | |
| PE36 6LL |
ASTRO BRAIN TUMOUR FUND
Annual Report For the Year ended 5[th] April 2025
Astro Brain Tumour Fund (ABTF) has continued to raise money for research into low-grade glioma (LGG) brain tumours. These may sound benign but this slow-growing, progressive group of tumours cause inevitable lifechanging and life-limiting physical and psychological symptoms and can cause death depending upon the area of the brain affected. They may also become higher grade (faster growing) over time.
Without the fund-raising efforts of patients, their families, the trustees, and other supporters, meeting the objectives of the charity would not be possible.
Research News
As well as receiving reports from ongoing research that the charity is supporting, the trustees actively seek out information on new research into low-grade brain tumours. The thrust of much research is into higher grade tumours so it can be hard to find research initiatives that fit our brief. Although the trustees are not scientists, we screen potential projects to ensure that work we support is focussed on things that will move knowledge and/or treatments forward and have scientific rigour. One outcome that we look for is the intention to publish results of the research in accredited scientific journals as this necessitates strong scientific method in the way the research is organised, performed, recorded, and analysed.
The trustees provided full funding for two PHD students working on research projects supervised by Prof. Stephen J. Price, BSc MBBS (Hons) PhD FRCS (Neuro Surg.) at Cambridge Biomedical Campus, over the next 3 years. One project is looking at developing artificial intelligence tools to monitor low grade gliomas (this project is scheduled to commence in October, 2025) and the other, which commenced in January 2023, is studying higher cognitive functions and return to work in low grade gliomas. Full funding has also been obtained for the research project headed by Mr Richard Mair, also at Cambridge, titled “Understanding Low-Grade Glioma to treat treatments to stop its Progression”. This project is commencing in late April 2025.
Projects funded in 2024/25/26:
HIGHER COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS AND RETURN TO WORK IN LOW GRADE GLIOMAS:
Prof. Stephen J. Price, BSc MBBS (Hons) PhD FRCS(Neuro Surg.) at Cambridge Biomedical Campus This study has temporarily been put on hold due to unforeseen circumstances but we are pleased to announce that it will recommence in October 2025.
DEVELOPING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS TO MONITOR LOW GRADE GLIOMAS
Prof. Stephen J. Price, BSc MBBS (Hons) PhD FRCS (Neuro Surg.) at Cambridge Biomedical Campus
This project will commence in October 2025. By the end of this study a tool will hopefully have been developed that will allow monitoring tumours and there will also be a method that would predict high risk low grade gliomas to individualise follow up of patients.
UNDERSTANDING LOW-GRADE GLIOMA TO CREATE TREATMENTS TO STOP ITS PROGRESSION
Mr Richard Mair, Assistant Professor & Honorary Consultant Neurosurgeon, CRUK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital
We are excited to announce the funding of a PhD student undertaking the above research, which will commence in April, 2025.
Through Mr Mair’s pioneering research, patient prognosis could be extended significantly by intervening whilst the cancer remains low-grade.
Through further research, they can characterise the metabolic changes in brain cells that contribute to the tumours eventually growing. By using model systems to chart the progression of the low-grade glioma transformation, Mr Mair and his team are on the pathway towards identifying or developing drugs that could block this progression. This PhD studentship will support this vital research and take us one step closer to understanding how we can stop low-grade gliomas from progressing
FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TO DELIVER DRUG COMBINATIONS TO LGG TUMOURS
We have recently agreed to a support research project headed by Dr Sophie Morse at Imperial College London. This exciting 2-year project will look at delivering promising drugs to treat different types of LGGs effectively. A dedicated PhD student in her lab will be using focused ultrasound to deliver the most promising drug combinations to LGG tumours. This is a more efficient and kinder way of delivering drugs to the whole tumour by temporarily opening the brain's barrier, reaching previously inaccessible regions of these tumours. Research delivering drugs to high grade tumours with focused ultrasound is already underway clinically which will benefit the translation of this low-grade glioma work for LGG patients.
Attendance at Houses of Parliament, Conferences and Meetings
At the All Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours meeting on 11[th] February 2025, the figures were presented highlighting that government spending on brain tumours had gone down in 2023/24 and that from the entire National Institute for Health & Research (NIHR) cancer budget, only 1.6% of funding had been granted to brain tumour research. Astro Brain Tumour Fund have joined with the charity Our Brain Bank, to correspond with the Chair with regard to what can be done to address this. The information has also been made available to LGG patients and their families, with help offered as to how they might raise this issue with their own MP. ABTF joined with the charity Brain Tumour Research in contacting the Minister of Health to request a meeting to discuss funding for brain tumour research, in particular LGGs.
There is currently a lot of support from MPs to change the landscape for brain tumour patients, with many MPs tabling questions in Parliament. Trustees have held meetings with an MP, health professionals and representatives from the NIHR and the Medical Research Centre (government led bodies). Trustee Dawn also attended a roundtable discussion in London in March 2025 on the UK's diffuse glioma treatment landscape organised by Servier Laboratories Ltd.
Four ABTF Trustees attended Brain Tumour Research’s Member Charities Workshop which took place in London in February 2025. Each charity made a presentation talking about their achievements and aims and good contacts were made sharing experiences and ideas.
Fundraising and Donations
The trustees are enormously grateful to everyone who has supported the charity either with donations or holding fundraising events.
Our biggest fundraiser, the Norfolk Family Walk, was held at Holkham Hall, North Norfolk on Sunday 22nd September 2024. Around 170 adults, children and dogs walked one, three, six or ten miles.
It was lovely to see so many walkers who return every year to meet up with family and friends, supporting loved ones with brain tumours or remembering those who have sadly passed away from this cruel disease. Not forgetting, of course, brain tumour patients themselves walking with their families. Grateful thanks go to Adrian Flux Insurance Services who once again generously sponsored all the expenses of the event and the owner of Holkham Hall allowing us to use the park and facilities free of charge. The 2025 walk is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 21st September.
We have a selection of fundraising events happening in the near future including a participant in the London Marathon and other running events plus numerous other fundraisers. We have also received some very generous donations.
Supply of Vorasidenib to UK LGG patients
Trial of this drug took place in several countries (including the UK) and proved very successful in delaying further treatment to patients after they underwent surgery for LGGs.
The drug continues to be available, through an early access, named patient scheme, via patients’ neuro-oncologists who are required to liaise with Servier, suppliers of the drug, in order to arrange treatment, although availability is still somewhat patchy which can prove to be very frustrating for those patients unable to access the drug. ABTF trustees are trying to address this by liaising with patients’ MPs and also writing to individual NHS Trusts. Vorasidenib is now going through the process of being evaluated by National Institute for Clinical Excellence and Astro Brain Tumour Fund has participated in the scoping and evaluation stages, with a committee meeting taking place in July 2025, in which a patient representative from the Facebook support group is taking part.
Support
The Facebook Astro Brain Tumour Fund Low Grade Glioma Support Group continues to grow steadily and has reached over 600 in number. There are members from all parts of the planet including the UK, the United States, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, the Middle and the Far East, and so many more…a really widespread community. The members are so supportive of each other and are always keen to share experiences, tips, recommendations, support, pool their knowledge and share, as well as their fears, their hopes and celebrations. As is often mentioned by members themselves, it is a very much valued asset of the charity.
This global spread reflects the fact that the focus on low grade tumours support is uncommon and that there is a real need for it. Each year, we send informative leaflets to all Neuro-oncology units around the whole of the United Kingdom, so that information about Astro Brain Tumour Fund, and the support we can offer, can be shared with all newly diagnosed patients. We also offer one to one support via telephone or email when needed.
ABTF Participation in “Glioma Patient Pathway” project instigated by Servier Laboratories Ltd Servier invited ABTF to participate in this project by way of assisting recruitment of LGG patients and carers via the Facebook support group to take part. Trustee Linda was appointed Patient Representative and Trustee Mary is named as one of the authors of the associated manuscript. ABTF has received payments totalling £4,038 for their involvement in the project.
ASTRO BRAIN TUMOUR FUND
Trustees’ Annual Report For the Year ended 5[th] April 2025
In accordance with statutory requirements and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (second edition – Oct 2019) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ (FRS102), the Trustees submit their report for the year ended 5[th] April 2024. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting policies set out on page 12 and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice edition II applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland - October 2019.
Trustees
The trustees named on page 1 served throughout the financial year.
Present Trustees Mary (Treasurer), Linda (Support Group Moderator), Robbie, Angela, Neal, Dawn and Katie have been committed to carrying on the invaluable work of the charity. Mary has been treasurer/trustee since the charity was registered in 2009, looks after the daily administration of the charity and with husband Robbie are very active fundraisers and prime organisers of the annual Holkham Hall walk. Linda, as well as fundraising, is support coordinator and moderates the Facebook page. Angela and Dawn represent the charity at All-Party Parliamentary Group meetings at Westminster and on related calls instigated by BTR. Neal and his family are prolific fundraisers for the charity.
Investment powers
The Trust Deed authorises the trustees to make and hold investments.
Constitution, Objects and Policies
The charity’s constitution is embodied in the Trust Deed. The object of the charity is to raise funds for low grade glioma research. The work of the charity is for the public benefit seeking to improve scientific knowledge, treatments, outcomes, and support in this area. To ensure that this is at the forefront of what we do the trustees have due regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission when exercising their responsibilities, for example when making funding decisions. The charity has appropriate policies in place to cover e.g., management of the Facebook support group, data protection and safeguarding, recognition of fund raisers/supporters etc. The charity has no employees and therefore no policies in relation to employment.
Developments, activities, and achievements
The trustees report that the performance of the charity for the past year has much improved from the previous year. We have full funding in place for the Cambridge projects that we are committed to and partial funding, at present for the Imperial project, with the prospect of fully funding at a later date.
Our Facebook Support Group page has been a source of strong support and information. Members are actively interacting and providing support both emotional and practical both to existing members facing periodic scans/procedures and waits for results; and also, as new patients and their families seek knowledge from those who have already been through certain treatments/tests/processes.
Financial review
The Fund derives its income from donations, grants from charitable trusts, fund-raising events run by the trustees and the charity’s supporters, and interest on money held on deposit. Administrative expenses are small as the charity is run by volunteers and where possible the trustees seek sponsorship to cover administrative costs for larger events such as the Norfolk Family Walk.
Risk management
The trustees review the major risks that the charity faces on a regular basis and are mindful of risks such as reputational risk or mandate related risks when discussing day to day business of the charity or when considering research funding possibilities. The trustees have also examined other operational risks faced by the Charity and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks. The trustees reserve policy is to aim for its resources to be distributed to suitable research projects as soon as practical to meet commitments made. Where specific grants have been received amounts may be held as restricted reserves until such time as the activity supported by the grant is completed.
At the end of the financial year reserves were £221,015 (prior year 152,174). The trustees believe that maintaining reserves at current levels, combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial systems, will provide sufficient resources for the future.
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the report and accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to Trustees in England and Wales requires Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities’ SORP second edition – Oct 2019 (FRS102);
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Select suitable accounting standards and then apply them consistently;
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departure disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity, and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approval
This report was approved by the trustees on 23[rd] May 2025 and signed on their behalf.
Mary Burton (Trustee)
ASTRO BRAIN TUMOUR FUND
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5[TH] APRIL 2025
Incoming Resources Donations and Grants Restricted Grants Gift Aid Repayments Interest Received Miscellaneous Receipts Total Income Expenditure Research Funding Fundraising Restricted Expenses Restricted Research Grant Funding Website Hosting Insurance Publicity Miscellaneous Total Expenditure Net Incoming Resources Fund Balances B/Fwd Fund Balances C/Fwd |
2025 2024 95,201 32,127 10,000 - 4,208 4,773 5,180 962 4,038 - 118,627 30,254 52,500 248 1,016 672 30,452 17,548 300 300 185 185 544 167 35 35 49,786 68,841 152,174 £ 221,015 |
2025 2024 95,201 32,127 10,000 - 4,208 4,773 5,180 962 4,038 - 118,627 30,254 52,500 248 1,016 672 30,452 17,548 300 300 185 185 544 167 35 35 49,786 68,841 152,174 £ 221,015 |
2025 2024 95,201 32,127 10,000 - 4,208 4,773 5,180 962 4,038 - 118,627 30,254 52,500 248 1,016 672 30,452 17,548 300 300 185 185 544 167 35 35 49,786 68,841 152,174 £ 221,015 |
2024 | 37,862 84,655 (46,793) 198,967 £ 152,174 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 5[TH] APRIL 2025
| Current Assets Barclays Bank Cambridge & Counties Bank NET CURRENT ASSETS Funds Fund Reserves Restricted Reserves (note 2) |
2025 121,005 100,010 221,015 - |
221,015 £221,015 |
2024 22,164 130,010 144,626 7,548 £ |
152,174 152,174 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Approved by the Board of Trustees
On 23[rd] May 2025 and signed on Their behalf
Mary Burton Trustee
ASTRO BRAIN TUMOUR FUND
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Astro Brain Tumour Fund
Charity Number – 1133561
We report on the accounts of the Association for the year ended 5[th] April 2025, on pages 5-6.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner.
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts.
The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:-
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act.
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report.
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement .
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: -
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: -
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act.
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
A Borland F.C.A. 75 Newnham Street Ely Cambs CB7 4PQ
Dated 20[th] May 2025
7
ASTRO BRAIN TUMOUR FUND
Notes to the Accounts For the Year ended 5[th] April 2024
1 Accounting Policies
1.1 Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable UK accounting standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland’ (FRS 102). Additionally, they comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ second edition – October 2019 in all material aspects. The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
1.2 Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The functional currency of the Charity is considered to be Pounds Sterling because that is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the charity operates.
1.3 Going concern
The trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these financial statements. The trustees have made this assessment in respect to a period of one year from the date of approval of these financial statements.
The trustees of the charity have concluded that there are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. There is no specific threat or relevance to Astro Brain Tumour Fund from most government policies. The charity benefits from our supporters being very active fundraisers and the annual Holkham Walk being a well-supported event. We also received some significant donations in the year which resulted in receipts being £80,765 up on the previous year. In addition, the charity has small, fixed overheads. The trustees are of the opinion that the charity will have sufficient resources to meet funding obligations that will be tailored to fit resources and reserve policies. The charity does not take on funding commitments beyond the available reserves.