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← Heartburn Cancer UK

2025-04-30-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 07227937 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1136413

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

FOR

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

Hopper Williams & Bell Limited Chartered Accountants Highland House Mayflower Close Chandler's Ford Eastleigh Hampshire SO53 4AR

Heartburn Cancer UK Annual Report & Financial Statement FY2024/2025

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Page
Reference and Administrative Details 1
Report of the Trustees 2 to 13
Independent Examiner's Report 14
Statement of Financial Activities 15
Balance Sheet 16 to 17
Notes to the Financial Statements 18 to 27

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

TRUSTEES Professor R C Fitzgerald
Ms B A Huntingdon
W Mathers
Mrs M E McCord
Dr O J Stovin
T J Underwood (resigned 6.6.2024)
M J C Farrier
Ms J Stevenson Timini
Professor S Markar (appointed 25.7.2024)
REGISTERED OFFICE Grove House
Lutyens Close
Chineham Court
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG24 8AG
REGISTERED COMPANY 07227937 (England and Wales)
NUMBER
REGISTERED CHARITY 1136413
NUMBER
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Hopper Williams & Bell Limited
Chartered Accountants
Highland House
Mayflower Close
Chandler's Ford
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO53 4AR

Page 1

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Welcome - a message from our chair and founder Mimi McCord

My husband Mike suffered from persistent heartburn all his adult life. I would buy antacids regularly in our weekly shop and think nothing of it until the day a piece of toast got stuck in his throat. A few weeks later, a consultant said, “It’s cancer.” He died nine weeks later aged just 47. If I knew then what I know now, he would still be alive

‘What I know now is persistent heartburn is not normal.’

It doesn’t mean you have cancer. And short bouts of heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion (it’s all the same thing) can just be related to having a meal too late one night; eating on the run; overindulging.

But, if it keeps coming back, or you, your partner, or a family member or friend regularly buy over the counter or off-the-shelf treatments, you MUST speak to your doctor and get it checked out, properly.

And go back again if you keep having a problem.

For the last 20 years, I’ve been determined to do what I can to help other families avoid the tragedy that hit mine - so very hard.

8,000 people a year die of cancer of the oesophagus, often because they didn’t know the warning signs or realise that many cases are preventable.

Cancer of the oesophagus is the UK’s 7th most deadly cancer, and the 4th most common cause of cancer death in men.

The incidence is growing here, in the Western world, for reasons we’re not entirely sure of yet, but which might be connected to more inactivity, worse diets and bigger waistlines.

There are no survival statistics for stage four metastatic oesophageal cancer, which has spread away from the original site. The only chance we have is catching it early.

We will continue demanding hope, demanding change for the future - in the name of those we’ve lost.

Mimi McCord, Founder and Chairman

Page 2

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Who We Are

Heartburn Cancer UK are the country’s leading specialist Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer charity.

Our charity promotes more awareness of the symptoms of oesophageal cancer and is demanding more action for oesophageal cancer survival.

We want every adult in the country to know that persistent heartburn is not normal and long-term self-medicating isn’t a good solution.

We want a Barrett’s diagnosis to be seen as a gift.

We provide trusted information and support those who are worried or diagnosed with Barrett’s or OC and their loved ones.

Our aim is for them to have support so they do not to feel lost or alone - whatever their diagnosis is.

We work with a network of people to keep more people alive: with academics, with NHS cancer alliances, with NICE, with medical device developers, with private clinics - anyone who has the same aim as us.

And we’re increasingly challenging the status quo on behalf of patients. We think they deserve better.

We are their advocates, their support, their translators.

Heartburn Cancer UK is demanding more hope for patients by increasingly supporting early diagnosis tools and techniques – such as the capsule sponge test, which we want to see in all UK GP surgeries.

We stand alongside medical professionals, contribute to medical guidance like NICE and support the Royal College of Surgeons Surgical Specialist Lead for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. This role has responsibility both for the development of clinical networks to deliver multi-centre studies as well as ensuring that the studies are relevant to their subspecialty and their patients. These are important areas of research which will help improve patient outcomes.

Page 3

HEARTBURN CANCER UK REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Our Mission and Focus

To be a respected UK source of awareness and information on the risks of ignoring persistent heartburn, encouraging the public to seek medical advice, to champion research to enable an earlier diagnosis to save lives, and to support those living with reflux, Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer.

Page 4

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Our 24/25 Highlights

We are strongly continuing to highlight the focus of the charity to raise awareness of the possible dangers of ignoring persistent heartburn and its link to Barrett’s and Oesophageal cancer. This will enable an earlier diagnosis of cancer when curative treatment is still possible. In the 20 plus years of the charity’s existence the prognosis for this cancer remains appalling. We are also actively supporting the progress of capsule sponge testing which needs to be more widely available so that persistent symptoms can be checked more easily, allowing patients with a positive result to have an endoscopy and faster access to treatment and those with a negative result, peace of mind.

Campaigns - More than Just Heartburn Campaign

A particular highlight has been our More Than Just Heartburn Campaign. This has been a very successful collaboration with Wessex Cancer Alliance and Costello Medical for Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month 2025. The campaign collateral and imagery put patients’ personal stories at the heart of our activity. This was supported by medical professionals videos, bitesize statistics, symptom and disease awareness, lifestyle changes and a call to action to get checked. Some of the activities included:

Lighting up Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower in HCUK colours to look like a flame;

Dedicated online information hubs for the public and healthcare professionals;

Traditional media, including The Sun, Daily Mail, and more;

In March we continued the campaign working with Derby and Derbyshire ICB and East Midlands Cancer Alliance with similar activities. This included the BBC featuring a patient story.

The collateral, learnings and evaluation can all be used in collaboration with other cancer alliances to deliver similar campaigns around the country.

Costello medical received a bronze award in the disease and public awareness awards category at the PMI awards for the work delivered through this successful partnership.

Page 6

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Traditional media achieved an estimated 2.9 million views and estimated audience of 278M across press coverage.

Our website saw a 56% increase in visits and an 87% increase to the ‘your stories’ page.

Meanwhile social media had a 650% average increase in impressions, 278% average increase in post interactions and 66% average increase in followers.

It was also an incredible highlight and proud moment to attend the Third Sector awards in September and receive the award for ‘Small Charity, Big Achiever’ For our Demanding Hope Campaign in February 2024. This campaign included nationwide press coverage and our own capsule sponge testing initiative which resulted in a published paper by our supporting clinical colleagues at The Cleveland Clinic and a higher Barrett’s pick-up in patients, double the normal expectation.

Awareness

In addition to our campaigns, work on our social media and website remain a major element of HCUK’s awareness work and trusted information. The HCUK website continues to develop in content and widen its exposure. Social media channels were and continue to be exploited to their maximum potential with available resources. This has significantly increased our ability to support patients and carers impacted by Barrett’s and Oesophageal Cancer.

Presentations or stands raising awareness and sharing what HCUK do were delivered at North Hants Prostate Cancer Support Group, Cancer Alliances, The Cambridge Symposium and with the met police.

We also added a couple of items to our patient and health care professional resources following its success during our more than just heartburn campaign.

Support

In addition to our physical Support Groups and our online Facebook Support Group, we’ve continued with the development of our patient app. Progress has unfortunately been slower than planned due to delays with the developer. When complete this will include Trusted Information, Health cards, My health tracker, People Like Me community and a Get Involved section and will help those impacted after a diagnosis not to feel lost or alone.

Our expert speaker sessions for patients have continued included titles including: Treatments for Reflux, Hiatus Hernia, Diet after oesophagostomy and The Impact of Gut Bacteria When Reflux Meds Don’t Work. These have been well received by those attending and we have created blogs from the talks providing helpful take aways so others can benefit from the content.

Page 6

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Research

We continue to support several research initiatives that might improve earlier diagnosis or better patient outcomes. This includes supporting the Royal College of Surgeons Surgical Speciality Lead role. We were involved in the selection of a new candidate for this role. We remain passionate about capsule sponge testing being more widely available for triaging patients with symptoms, case finding, Barrett’s surveillance and screening. We were a named partner on Cytoprime2 a study gathering further evidence for Capsule Sponge in primary care. We are also a partner on The Compass project which will see capsule sponge being used in two selected Boots and some community pharmacies in Nottingham and London. This will help shape this pathway for greater access to the capsule sponge. We have also provided posters and patient diet and lifestyle leaflets for the BEST4 mobile unit that are working to provide evidence for capsule sponge as a screening test that will save lives. We’ve been involved in various other projects including the GOLF study comparing LINX and fundoplication. We also sit on the NOGCA PPI forum.

Earlier Diagnosis and our Mobile Diagnostic Units

We continue to support the progress of the capsule sponge test and are committed to helping it become more widely available. Tariffs are available for its use in secondary care and community diagnostic centres but its wider use especially in primary care as a triage for reflux referral would make the difference required. We have actively encouraged British Society of Gastroenterology and NICE to make updates to their guidance to strongly support use of the sponge in this area as reflected in European guidance.

Our mobile units have been involved in awareness activity this year but we are working on plans for them to support capsule sponge testing again in 2026.

Trustees

Professor Tim Underwood stepped down after several years as a Trustee and we thank him for his support. We were delighted that Tim agreed to be an Honorary Life Governor and we were able to welcome Professor Sheraz Markar as a Trustee.

Page 7

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Financial Summary – FY24/25

Financial Performance Review

This financial year has been more challenging. After five years of positive growth we saw a downturn in our income. This was an impact the wider charity sector has been experiencing. To ensure the charity is able to remain viable in the future we took the difficult decision to reduce the size of the team by one. This will be reflected within the next financial year. We also reviewed our external suppliers and expenditure to make necessary reductions until income improves and made income driving plans.

Fundraising included our dedicated supporters running marathons in London, Liverpool, Paris and Chicago. An Ironman in Wales and a London to Brighton Ultra and a continued mission to Climb 214 peaks in memory of a loved one to name a few. Churston Golf Club raised funds for us and a wonderful Farmer Christmas event took place with tractors decorated in awareness banners. Finlay Brewer held a Carol Concert and we received proceeds from The Emsworth Relay.

We were very fortunate to have had the continuing support of Costello Medical, who provided pro-bono work to the value of £52,861 for helping deliver our Feb OC awareness campaign ‘More than just heartburn which they had worked with us to robustly research and plan the previous year. This has been a mutually enjoyable and beneficial collaboration.

Absolutely Offices very kindly donate our office space and Bull By The Horns PR work is generously donated at £350 a day rather than £500.

Income summary

Donation streams include our website, fundraisers using the Just Giving and Enthuse platforms and those who donate in memory via Much Loved and individually for those who have died as a result of oesophageal cancer.

Successful Grant applications were gratefully received from BMS funding £5k, Doyly Carte £4k, the Grace Trust £3k, Nick Smith £750 and The National Lottery Awards for All £19,976. These grants were awarded for a combination of core costs and projects. In total £32,726.

We are very fortunate to be The Lanesborough hotel’s chosen charity. Their customer facing services have reference to HCUK and our call to action and they made donations in excess of £47k this year. Significant support to our charitable activity for which we are extremely thankful. Sharegift also made a kind charitable donation of £5k.

Unfortunately, two charity events that would have been significant fundraisers were unable to go ahead because the patients behind these activities very sadly became too unwell to continue.

Page 8

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Page 9

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Fundraising & Income Driving Plans for 2025/202

Beyond the core costs to run the charity, funds raised will be used for:

Page 10

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Activity Cost Estimate Income Estimate Timeline
Just Giving, Easy Fundraising, Paypal
etc..andText Giving
(individual fundraising activities)
Run for charityactivities (Run for
charity membership)		 Just giving 5%
transaction fee
£750 Membership		 £40,000 Annual
Websiteappeal,regulargiving,ad hoc
donations, andshoppurchases		 Stripe 2.2% transaction
fee (website)		 £12,500 Annual
Otherfundraising activities (inc
donation cheques etc)		 Nil £3,500
Legacy and in Memoriam(Much
loved tributes, giving in memory)		 £650 £5,000 Annual
Directto bank donations (CAF Gold) Nil £2,000 Annual
Other Income (Miscellaneous) £11,000 Annual
Grantincome £8,640 £52,500 Annual
Maintain ourcorporaterelationship Nil £42,600 By -monthly and
ad hoc
Gift AidTax from Website donations Nil £3,000 Annual
BankInterest Nil £4,000 Annual
Event Income 5,000 Annual
TOTAL £181,100

Page 11

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Reserves Policy

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds, which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to six months expenditure, which is calculated to be in the region of £45k.

The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities whilst consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

Risks

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Structure, governance and management

The following served as trustees during the year:

Mrs M E McCord

Prof R C Fitzgerald

Mrs B A Huntingdon

Dr O J Stovin

Mr W Mathers

Mr M Farrier

Mrs J Stevenson Timini

Professor Sheraz Markar (appointed 25 July 2024)

Professor T Underwood (resigned 6 June 2024)

The above are also Directors for the purposes of company law.

The Board have the statutory power to appoint new trustees under the terms of the Trust Deed and provide the necessary training in order that they may fulfil their obligations as Trustees.

None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. The Directors are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

The charity is governed by the Board of Trustees which is responsible for formulating the strategies and policies of the charity including exercising financial controls.

Page 12

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Trustees’ responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the statement of financial activities of the charitable company for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies’ exemption.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on…………… and signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees by:

Mrs M E McCord

Chair of Trustees

Page 14

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HEARTBURN CANCER UK

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Heartburn Cancer UK ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 30 April 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  3. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

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 accounts to be reached.

N R Whitemore FCCA The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

Hopper Williams & Bell Limited Chartered Accountants Highland House Mayflower Close Chandler's Ford Eastleigh Hampshire SO53 4AR 30 Jan 2026 Date: .............................................

Page 14

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
funds
Notes
£
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
174,835
36,976
Other trading activities
3
633
-
Investment income
4
3,918
-
Other income
333
-
Total
179,719
36,976
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
5
16,839
500
Charitable activities
6
Early diagnosis
57,844
16,883
Awareness
63,431
2,399
Research and education
20,013
800
Support
50,035
1,999
Charity running costs
17,648
43,843
Total
225,810
66,424
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(46,091)
(29,448)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
110,435
147,505
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
64,344
118,057		 2025
Total
funds
£
211,811
633
3,918
333
216,695
17,339
74,727
65,830
20,813
52,034
61,491
292,234
(75,539)
257,940
182,401		 2024
Total
funds
£
271,330
85
3,650
672
275,737
23,101
62,995
47,726
15,511
44,777
41,024
235,134
40,603
217,337
257,940

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 15

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

BALANCE SHEET 30 APRIL 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
funds
Notes
£
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
13
784
37,516
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
14
18,938
-
Cash at bank
47,928
80,542
66,866
80,542
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
15
(3,307)
-
NET CURRENT ASSETS
63,559
80,542
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
64,343
118,058
NET ASSETS
64,343
118,058
FUNDS
16
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 2025
Total
funds
£
38,300
18,938
128,470
147,408
(3,307)
144,101
182,401
182,401
64,343
118,058
182,401		 2024
Total
funds
£
52,101
2,896
206,503
209,399
(3,560)
205,839
257,940
257,940
110,435
147,505
257,940

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 30 April 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 16

continued...

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

BALANCE SHEET - continued 30 APRIL 2025

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:

.............................................

M E McCord - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 17

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

Income

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.

Donations by way of grants are recognised either on receipt or Invoice, whichever is earlier. Donations and associated gift aid from on-line sites such as Just Giving and Virgin Giving are recognised as and when paid by those sites, after they have been verified and processed, and includes donations remitted to the charity from those sites within the financial year. These donations are recorded net of processing charges.

Other donations and legacies are recognised on receipt. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid is recognised at the time of the donation.

Donated services and facilities are included in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year they are received at the value of the gift to the charity, provided the value of the gift can be measured reliably.

The expense element of such donations is reflected in resources expended in the appropriate expense category.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Cost represents purchase price together with any incidental costs of acquisition.

continued...

Page 18

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Going concern

At the time of preparing 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.

Financial instruments

The charitable company only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measure at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations and gifts
Donations in kind
Grants		 2025
£
107,526
66,559
37,726
211,811		 2024
£
189,030
40,800
41,500
271,330

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

Other grants 2025
£
37,726		 2024
£
41,500

continued...

Page 19

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Sale of merchandise
4.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest
5.
RAISING FUNDS
Raising donations and legacies
Staff costs
Website and social media
General fundraising costs
Travel and training costs
Office expenses
Printing, post and advertising
Computer expenses
Subscriptions
Publications and PR
Research
Outsourcing costs

6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Direct
Support
Costs (see
costs (see
note 7)
note 8)
£
£
Early diagnosis
74,727
-
Awareness
65,830
-
Research and education
20,813
-
Support
52,034
-
Charity running costs
57,735
3,756
271,139
3,756		 Totals
£
74,727
65,830
20,813
52,034
61,491
274,895

continued...

Page 20

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

7. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Staff costs
Office expenses
Computer expenses
Printing, post and advertising
Website and social media
Sundries
Insurance
Subscriptions
Travel and training costs
Publications and PR
MDU maintenance
Outsourcing costs
Research
Depreciation
Interest payable and similar charges
8.
SUPPORT COSTS
Charity running costs
9.
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)		 2025
2024
£
£
114,865
82,462
10,602
9,208
2,375
1,217
7,700
3,171
11,256
22,556
2,230
1,014
439
190
2,646
190
4,216
3,219
77,868
42,639
-
8,213
21,935
14,792
-
7,129
14,887
10,000
120
125
271,139
206,125
Governance
costs
£
3,756		 2024
£
82,462
9,208
1,217
3,171
22,556
1,014
190
190
3,219
42,639
8,213
14,792
7,129
10,000
125		 2024
£
82,462
9,208
1,217
3,171
22,556
1,014
190
190
3,219
42,639
8,213
14,792
7,129
10,000
125
206,125

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation - owned assets
Independent examiner's costs		 2025
£
14,887
1,190		 2024
£
10,000
1,190

continued...

Page 21

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

10. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 April 2025 nor for the year ended 30 April 2024.

Trustees' expenses

During the period ended 30 April 2025, expenses totalling £Nil were reimbursed directly to trustees (2024: £506).

11. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Administration
No staff receive more than £60,000 per annum either this year or the prior year.
12.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
fund
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
211,307
Other trading activities
85
Investment income
3,650
Other income
672
Total
215,714
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
23,101
Charitable activities
Early diagnosis
31,520
Awareness
45,516
Research and education
15,511
Support
35,345
Charity running costs
41,024
Total
192,017

continued...

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HEARTBURN CANCER UK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

12.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
funds
£
£
NET INCOME
23,697
16,906
Transfers between funds
(1,343)
1,343
Net movement in funds
22,354
18,249
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
88,081
129,256
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
110,435
147,505
13.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Plant and
Computer
machinery
equipment
£
£
COST
At 1 May 2024
72,925
-
Additions
-
1,086
At 30 April 2025
72,925
1,086
DEPRECIATION
At 1 May 2024
20,824
-
Charge for year
14,585
302
At 30 April 2025
35,409
302
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 April 2025
37,516
784
At 30 April 2024
52,101
-
14.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2025
£
Prepayments and accrued income
18,938		 Total
funds
£
40,603
-
40,603
217,337
257,940
Totals
£
72,925
1,086
74,011
20,824
14,887
35,711
38,300
52,101
2024
£
2,896

continued...

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HEARTBURN CANCER UK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2025 2024
£ £
Accruals and deferred income 3,307 3,560
16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
At 1.5.24 in funds At 30.4.25
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 110,435 (46,092) 64,343
Restricted funds
Cytosponge Mobile Diagnostic Unit -
operation 52,101 (14,585) 37,516
Return to fitness 933 - 933
Awareness - North West of England 2,102 - 2,102
Awareness - London 500 - 500
HCUK East Anglia 2,151 - 2,151
Core costs 8,000 (8,000) -
Support project 2,425 - 2,425
London Support Group 590 (295) 295
MDU service 78,703 (6,567) 72,136
147,505 (29,447) 118,058
TOTAL FUNDS 257,940 (75,539) 182,401
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming Resources Movement
resources expended in funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 179,719 (225,811) (46,092)
Restricted funds
Cytosponge Mobile Diagnostic Unit -
operation - (14,585) (14,585)
Awareness 17,000 (17,000) -
Core costs - (8,000) (8,000)
London Support Group - (295) (295)
MDU service - (6,567) (6,567)
App development 19,976 (19,976) -
36,976 (66,423) (29,447)
TOTAL FUNDS 216,695 (292,234) (75,539)

continued...

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HEARTBURN CANCER UK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net Transfers
movement between
At 1.5.23 in funds funds At 30.4.24
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 88,081 23,697 (1,343) 110,435
Restricted funds
Cytosponge Mobile Diagnostic Unit -
operation 76,212 32,713 (56,824) 52,101
Cytosponge Mobile Diagnostic Unit -
purchase 17,156 (5,412) (11,744) -
Return to fitness 1,000 (67) - 933
Awareness - North West of England 2,102 - - 2,102
Awareness - London 500 - - 500
HCUK East Anglia 2,151 - - 2,151
Awareness - (1,343) 1,343 -
Core costs 8,000 - - 8,000
Support project 12,000 (9,575) - 2,425
Early diagnosis 10,135 - (10,135) -
London Support Group - 590 - 590
MDU service - - 78,703 78,703
129,256 16,906 1,343 147,505
TOTAL FUNDS 217,337 40,603 - 257,940
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming Resources Movement
resources expended in funds
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 215,714 (192,017) 23,697
Restricted funds
Cytosponge Mobile Diagnostic Unit -
operation 58,566 (25,853) 32,713
Cytosponge Mobile Diagnostic Unit -
purchase - (5,412) (5,412)
Return to fitness - (67) (67)
Awareness 867 (2,210) (1,343)
Support project - (9,575) (9,575)
London Support Group 590 - 590
60,023 (43,117) 16,906
TOTAL FUNDS 275,737 (235,134) 40,603

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HEARTBURN CANCER UK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Cytosponge Mobile Diagnostic Unit - operation

To fund the purchase of a Mobile Diagnostic Unit and related equipment, which are accounted for as fixed assets and is being depreciated from May 2021, and fund the running costs of the unit. The unit is currently being deployed to support the DELTA project to demonstrate the efficacy of the "Cytosponge" in promoting early diagnosis of Oesophageal Cancer and/or Barrett's Oesophagus. For ease in this financial year and going forward, this fund has been amalgamated as MDU Service.

Cytosponge Mobile Diagnostic Unit - purchase

Funds raising from the Golf Day event arranged to fund the purchase of an additional Mobile Diagnostic Unit and related equipment, which are accounted for as fixed assets and is being depreciated from Nov 2023. For ease in this financial year and going forward, this fund has been amalgamated as MDU Service.

Return to fitness

To support a research project into a programme to support Oesophageal Cancer patients recovering after treatment.

Awareness - North West of England

Fund to raise awareness in patients and physicians of the link between persistent heartburn and Oesophageal Cancer and/or Barrett's Oesophagus, in the North West of England.

Awareness - London

Fund to raise awareness in patients and physicians of the link between persistent heartburn and Oesophageal Cancer and/or Barrett's Oesophagus, in the London area.

Awareness

Fund to raise awareness in patients and physicians of the link between persistent heartburn and Oesophageal Cancer and/or Barrett's Oesophagus.

HCUK East Anglia

To fund the activities of the East Anglia support group with funds generated by the support group itself.

Core costs

Funds to support the core costs of the charity.

Support projects

Funds to support ongoing projects.

Early diagnosis

Funds to support early diagnosis of Oesophageal Cancer and/or Barrett's Oesophagus. For ease in this financial year and going forward, this fund has been amalgamated as MDU Service.

London Support Group

This fund is money which has been granted to us for Heartburn's support projects. This project is ongoing and includes everything related to being able to provide up to date, accessible and efficient support to Heartburn's community, i.e. the changes and updates to our website to make it more user friendly with current, clinically verified information, literature (both printed and online) for patients and carers to support their journey with persistent heartburn, Barrett's and oesophageal cancer and all related symptoms, conditions and treatments.

MDU Service

In previous years Heartburn have had several categories for Early Diagnosis funds. These

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continued...

HEARTBURN CANCER UK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2025

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

have all been for our Mobile Diagnostic Units but under different fund names, Cytosponge Mobile Diagnostic Unit - operation, Cytosponge Mobile Diagnostic Unit - purchase, and Early diagnosis. For ease in this financial year and going forward, these funds have been amalgamated as MDU Service.

App Development

Funding provided from the National lottery fund for the resource time and technology costs to develop a patient support app providing trusted information, health cards, symptom tracking and to enable people to connect with others living with the same conditions as part of a peer support network.

17. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

During the year Absolutely Offices Limited, of which Beryl Huntingdon, a trustee of the charitable company, is a director, provided office services to the charity on normal commercial terms totalling £1,298 (2024: £1,410).

In addition Absolutely Offices Limited provided the office space free of charge as a donation in kind and has been accounted for within donations totalling £9,648 (2024: £9,000).

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

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