REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1146147
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
for
Me & Dee
Bourne & Co
Chartered Accountants
6 Lichfield Street
Burton-on-Trent
Staffordshire
DE14 3RD
Me & Dee
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
|
Page |
Report of the Trustees |
1 to 3 |
Independent Examiner's Report |
4 |
Statement of Financial Activities |
5 |
Balance Sheet |
6 |
Notes to the Financial Statements |
7 to 13 |
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities |
14 to 15 |
Me & Dee
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
Thetrusteespresenttheirreportwiththefinancialstatementsofthecharityfortheyear ended
30September2025.ThetrusteeshaveadoptedtheprovisionsofAccountingandReportingby Charities:
StatementofRecommendedPracticeapplicabletocharitiespreparingtheiraccountsinaccordance with
the FinancialReportingStandardapplicablein the UK and Republicof Ireland(FRS 102) (effective1 January
2019).
Invited to trustee meetings:
Miss Maria Hanson MBE (Founder/CEO unwaged)
Mr Mark Harrison (Head of Operations)
Our trusteesare unpaid and work in a purelyvoluntarycapacity.Their commitmentincludesattendance at
quarterlyboardmeetings,sub-committeemeetingsandassociatedtasksrelatingtothegovernance and
promotion of the charity, all of which are performed without any declared conflicts of interest.
Theyeachbringawealthofknowledgeandexperiencegainedfromtheirrespectiveprofessional and
personalcapacities,includingdirectorsand ownersof companies.Collectively,thetrusteeswork together
toprovidesupporttoMariaandtheteam,andtoensurethattheaimsandobjectivesofthecharity are
met, in an effective and compliant manner.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
me&deehasasimplemission:toensurefamiliesgoingthroughdifficultanduncertaintimesare gifted
withmemoriestheycantreasure,neverlosingsightofwhattrulymatters;becauseitisthose special
momentssharedwiththeoneswelove,nomatterhowcomplicatedthecircumstancesmaybe,that are
most precious of all.
CHARITY ACTIVITY
The charity provides memory-making experiences for families facing short and uncertain futures together.
Inrecentyears,thishasincludedfamilybreaksataluxurylodgeownedbythecharity,located in
Sherwood Hideaway Park, which has provided vital respite for the families that have stayed there.
Asweapproachour20thyear,wearere-focusingthetypesofactivitiesweoffertobettermeet the
evolving needs and types of support now required.
Abigpartofthisisour"continuingcareandsupport"programmewhichenablesustosupporta greater
numberoffamilieswithmemory-makingopportunities,whilstalsocreatinganenvironmentfor peer
support amongst families facing similar challenges.
Wearealsonowworkingalotmorecloselywiththenursingandbereavementteamsatlocal hospitals,
providingthe right, sensitivesupportwhen the worstimaginablehappens.Our Hope Elephantcontinues to
be an incrediblesupportto so many, with her voicerecorderin one ear and space for preciousmessages in
theother.Shecanalsoholdatininherearwhichcanholdspecialitemsandevenashesforthose who
have been lost.
REPORTING ON PUBLIC BENEFIT
Thecharitywasestablishedin2006toprovidelowcost,buthighimpact,experiencesforwhentime is
short and precious. To date, and 20 years later, thousands of families have now been supported.
ACHIEVEMENTS / PERFORMANCE
Duringthelastyearwehavesupportedarecordnumberoffamilies,witharangeof memory-making
experiences, and ongoing emotional support, including:
Page 1
Me & Dee
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
-
7 holidays at our lodge (incl. memory gifts)
-
325 Hope Elephants
-
25 overnight memory-making experiences (incl. stays at Drayton Manor and Gullivers)
-
37 memory-making day trips, including White Post Farm / Go Active Falconry
-
76 'continuing care' events, including swimming sessions at Moorways sensory pool
VOLUNTEERS / FUNDRAISING
We havea smalland dedicatedgroupof volunteers,knownas "me&deeangels".Thisgroupis committed
toassistinguswithfundraisingandpromotionofthecharity.Muchofourfundraisingactivityis through
eventsthatweholdand thatmembersof thepublicholdforus. As a self-fundingcharity,supportsuch as
this is vital and deeply appreciated.
Ourannualball,whichwasattendedandthoroughlyenjoyedbyover300supportersagainthis year,
provideduswiththeopportunitytoraisetheprofileofthecharity,celebrateourachievements and
generateadditionalfunds.That,alongwithmanyothersmallerevents(includingcraftfairs,quiz nights,
golf days etc.)held throughoutthe year,has helpedus to sustaingood levelsof incomeand secure further
support for the charity.
Wealsohavevariousschemesavailableonourwebsitethatenablesupporterstodonatea regular
affordablesumbetween£20and£250+amonth,orgift'Hope'tothefamilieswesupport.All are
acknowledged and kept up to date on the charity's activities and functions.
OFFICE
We are securein our officein the villageof Melbourne,whereour currentleaseruns throughto 2028. This
facilityprovidesa practicaland effectivehub for the charityto be run from,whichis onlythreemiles from
Maria's home. We have forged good working relationships with the business community in the village.
Administrationcostsarekepttoaminimum,withtheFounder,CEOandLifePresidentbeing unsalaried,
and a verysmallofficeteamof threefull timemembersof staff,alongwith volunteersupportfor practical
office activities.
FINANCE
Our end of year report is attached.
Our total income for the year was £348,914 (2024: £249,109)
Themajorityofourincomecomprisesdonationsfromindividualsandbusinesses.Thisincludesover £20k
frommonthlybusinesssponsors,whomweareverygratefultofortheirongoingsupport.The remainder
of our income was from other fundraising activities and small grants.
TheCharity'spolicyistoholdaminimumof50%ofafullyear'sexpenditureinreserve,whichallows the
charitytocontinuetooperateatitscurrentlevelofactivity,andplanaccordingly.Attheendof the
Financial year the charity had £288k in reserves, which is greater than the 50% level of reserves required.
Thecharitycarriesno significantlong-termdebt,maintainingonlya nominalremainingbalanceon a bank
loan of £1,408.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
Thecharityiscontrolledbyitsgoverningdocument,adeedoftrustandconstitutesan unincorporated
charity.
Page 2
Me & Dee
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
1146147
Principal address
18A Castle Lane
Melbourne
Derbyshire
DE73 8JB
Trustees
N Kinsey
E M Horsey (resigned 1.2.25)
P G Male (resigned 4.12.25)
T M Hibbert (resigned 20.1.26)
D P Mather (resigned 29.11.24)
T M Wilson-Szokalo (appointed 14.5.25)
S M Rice Trustee (resigned 22.1.26)
C Monk (resigned 14.1.25)
A R A Siddiqui Trustee (appointed 4.2.25) (resigned 26.6.25)
A Parker (appointed 4.2.25)
R I Morgan (appointed 10.9.25)
Independent Examiner
Bourne & Co
Chartered Accountants
6 Lichfield Street
Burton-on-Trent
Staffordshire
DE14 3RD
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 10 June 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
T M Wilson-Szokalo - Trustee
Page 3
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Me & Dee
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Me & Dee
IreporttothecharitytrusteesonmyexaminationoftheaccountsofMe&Dee(theTrust)forthe year
ended 30 September 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
AsthecharitytrusteesoftheTrustyouareresponsibleforthepreparationoftheaccountsin accordance
with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I reportin respectof my examinationof theTrust'saccountscarriedoutunderSection145of theAct and
incarryingoutmyexaminationIhavefollowedallapplicableDirectionsgivenbytheCharity Commission
under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Sinceyourcharity'sgrossincomeexceeded£250,000yourexaminermustbe a memberof a listedbody. I
canconfirmthatIamqualifiedtoundertaketheexaminationbecauseIamamemberoftheInstitute of
Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
Ihavecompletedmyexamination.Iconfirmthatnomaterialmattershavecometomyattention 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 Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
Ihavenoconcernsandhavecomeacrossnoothermattersinconnectionwiththeexaminationto which
attentionshouldbedrawninthisreportinordertoenablea properunderstandingoftheaccountsto be
reached.
C Edwards ACA
Bourne & Co
Chartered Accountants
6 Lichfield Street
Burton-on-Trent
Staffordshire
DE14 3RD
10 June 2026
Page 4
Me & Dee
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
30.9.25
Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
272,460
Charitable activities
Grants and raffles
990
Other trading activities
2
71,891
Investment income
3
3,573
Total
348,914
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
4
200,627
Charitable activities
Events and fundraising
77,258
Other
6,938
Total
284,823
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
64,091
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
213,827
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
277,918 |
30.9.24
Total
funds
£
195,249
422
49,586
3,852
249,109
183,293
83,631
10,556
277,480
(28,371)
242,198
213,827 |
|
|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 5
Me & Dee
Balance Sheet 30 September 2025
30.9.25
Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
7
111,655
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
8
19,406
Cash at bank and in hand
170,583
189,989
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
9
(23,726)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
166,263
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
277,918
NET ASSETS
277,918
FUNDS
11
Unrestricted funds
277,918
TOTAL FUNDS
277,918 |
30.9.24
Total
funds
£
121,710
19,599
107,043
126,642
(34,525)
92,117
213,827
213,827
213,827
213,827 |
|
|
ThefinancialstatementswereapprovedbytheBoardofTrusteesandauthorisedforissue on
10 June 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
T M Wilson-Szokalo - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 6
Me & Dee
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
Thefinancialstatementsofthecharity,whichisapublicbenefitentityunderFRS102,have been
preparedinaccordancewiththeCharitiesSORP(FRS102)'AccountingandReportingby Charities:
Statementof RecommendedPracticeapplicableto charitiespreparingtheiraccountsin accordance
withtheFinancialReportingStandardapplicableintheUKandRepublicofIreland(FRS 102)
(effective1January2019)',FinancialReportingStandard102'TheFinancialReporting Standard
applicableintheUKandRepublicofIreland'andtheCharitiesAct2011.Thefinancial statements
have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
Allincomeis recognisedin theStatementof FinancialActivitiesoncethecharityhas entitlement to
the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilitiesarerecognisedasexpenditureassoonasthereisalegalorconstructive obligation
committingthecharitytothatexpenditure,itisprobablethatatransferofeconomicbenefits will
be requiredin settlementand the amountof the obligationcan be measuredreliably.Expenditure is
accountedforonanaccrualsbasisandhasbeenclassifiedunderheadingsthataggregateall cost
relatedtothecategory.Wherecostscannotbe directlyattributedtoparticularheadingsthey have
been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciationisprovidedatthefollowingannualratesinordertowriteoffeachassetover its
estimated useful life.
Freehold property- not provided
Office equipment- 25% on reducing balance
IT equipment- 20% on cost
Thecharitydoesnotprovidedepreciationonthefreeholdpropertyhoweveritissubjectto an
annual impairment review by the Trustees.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestrictedfundscan be usedin accordancewiththe charitableobjectivesat the discretionof the
trustees.
Restrictedfundscanonlybeusedforparticularrestrictedpurposeswithintheobjectsof the
charity.Restrictionsarisewhenspecifiedbythedonororwhenfundsareraisedfor particular
restricted purposes.
Furtherexplanationof thenatureand purposeof eachfund is includedin thenotesto the financial
statements.
continued...
Page 7
Me & Dee
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
RentalspaidunderoperatingleasesarechargedtotheStatementofFinancialActivitieson a
straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charityoperatesa definedcontributionpensionscheme.Contributionspayableto the charity's
pensionschemearechargedtotheStatementofFinancialActivitiesintheperiodtowhich they
relate.
2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Fundraising events
Shop income |
30.9.25
£
71,891
-
71,891 |
30.9.24
£
49,565
21 |
|
|
49,586 |
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
Rents received
Deposit account interest
RAISING FUNDS
Raising donations and legacies
Sherwood Hideaway costs
Insurance
Other expenses
Support costs |
30.9.25
£
2,556
1,017
3,573
30.9.25
£
10,583
2,256
21,011
166,777
200,627 |
30.9.24
£
2,556
1,296
3,852
30.9.24
£
9,902
1,599
21,236
150,556 |
|
|
183,293 |
4. RAISING FUNDS
continued...
Page 8
Me & Dee
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
Therewereno trustees'remunerationor otherbenefitsfor the yearended30 September2025 nor
for the year ended 30 September 2024.
Trustees' expenses
Therewerenotrustees'expensespaidfortheyearended30September2025norforthe year
ended 30 September 2024.
6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
|
Unrestricted |
|
fund |
|
£ |
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM |
|
Donations and legacies |
195,249 |
Charitable activities |
|
Grants and raffles |
422 |
Other trading activities |
49,586 |
Investment income |
3,852 |
Total |
249,109 |
EXPENDITURE ON |
|
Raising funds |
183,293 |
Charitable activities |
|
Events and fundraising |
83,631 |
Other |
10,556 |
Total |
277,480 |
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) |
(28,371) |
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS |
|
Total funds brought forward |
242,198 |
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
213,827 |
continued...
Page 9
Me & Dee
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Freehold
property
£
COST
At 1 October 2024
115,000
Additions
-
Impairments
(10,000)
At 30 September 2025
105,000
DEPRECIATION
At 1 October 2024
-
Charge for year
-
At 30 September 2025
-
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 2025
105,000
At 30 September 2024
115,000
8.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Other debtors
Prepayments |
Office
equipment
£
5,598
1,875
-
7,473
728
1,580
2,308
5,165
4,870 |
IT
equipment
£
2,831
250
-
3,081
991
600
1,591
1,490
1,840
30.9.25
£
1,381
18,025
19,406 |
Totals
£
123,429
2,125
(10,000)
115,554
1,719
2,180
3,899
111,655
121,710
30.9.24
£
80
19,519
19,599 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
continued...
Page 10
Me & Dee
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 10)
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
10.
LOANS
An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:
Amounts falling due within one year on demand:
Bank loans
11.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
At
1.10.24
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
213,827
TOTAL FUNDS
213,827
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
348,914
TOTAL FUNDS
348,914 |
30.9.25
30.9.24
£
£
1,408
3,474
1,519
1,585
20,799
29,466
23,726
34,525
30.9.25
30.9.24
£
£
1,408
3,474
Net
movement
At
in funds
30.9.25
£
£
64,091
277,918
64,091
277,918
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(284,823)
64,091
(284,823)
64,091 |
|
|
continued...
Page 11
Me & Dee
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
At
1.10.23
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
242,198
TOTAL FUNDS
242,198
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
249,109
TOTAL FUNDS
249,109
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as
At
1.10.23
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
242,198
TOTAL FUNDS
242,198 |
Net
movement
At
in funds
30.9.24
£
£
(28,371)
213,827
(28,371)
213,827
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(277,480)
(28,371)
(277,480)
(28,371)
follows:
Net
movement
At
in funds
30.9.25
£
£
35,720
277,918
35,720
277,918 |
|
|
continued...
Page 12
Me & Dee
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A currentyear12monthsandprioryear12monthscombinednetmovementinfunds,included in
the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming
resources
£
598,023
598,023 |
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(562,303)
35,720
(562,303)
35,720 |
|
|
|
12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 30 September 2025.
Page 13
Me & Dee
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations and sponsorships
Other trading activities
Fundraising events
Shop income
Investment income
Rents received
Deposit account interest
Charitable activities
Grants and raffles
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Sherwood Hideaway costs
Insurance
Other expenses
Charitable activities
Events and fundraising costs
Gifts and donations
Other
Holiday and caravan costs
Bank loan interest |
30.9.25
£
272,460
71,891
-
71,891
2,556
1,017
3,573
990
348,914
10,583
2,256
21,011
33,850
33,940
43,318
77,258
4,475
63
4,538 |
30.9.24
£
195,249
49,565
21 |
|
|
49,586
2,556
1,296 |
|
|
3,852
422 |
|
|
249,109
9,902
1,599
21,236 |
|
|
32,737
47,073
36,558 |
|
|
83,631
7,609
115 |
|
|
7,724 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 14
Me & Dee
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 September 2025
Support costs
Management
Wages
Social security
Staff recruitment and training costs
Rent
Rates
Light and heat
Postage and couriers
Stationery and printing
Telephone, fax and broadband
Subscriptions
Motor and travel expenses
Premises repairs and maintenance
Finance
Bank charges
Other
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Governance costs
Solicitor Fees
Accountancy and legal fees
Total resources expended
Net income/(expenditure) |
30.9.25
£
105,463
4,752
238
17,952
329
4,950
1,389
1,372
5,201
1,128
11,369
450
154,593
4
12,180
-
2,400
2,400
284,823
64,091 |
30.9.24
£
100,726
3,367
409
16,465
317
3,860
1,435
2,652
4,879
1,277
12,198
109
147,694
-
1,155
1,707
2,832
4,539
277,480
(28,371) |
|
|
|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 15
Virtual Cabinet Portal Digital Signatures
Digital Signature Verification
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https://www.virtualcabinetportal.com/VerifySignedDocument
Signature Dates and Times
All dates and times shown in the signatures below are expressed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is generally equivalent to GMT. You can find out more about UTC at the following web page:
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Signature 1
Signed by Theresa Wilson-Szokalo using authentication code T3UvWkdSOXpneWFZ at IP address 90.207.154.226, on 2026/06/15 20:19:55
Z.
Theresa Wilson-Szokalo's e-mail address is: theresa.wilsonszokalo@googlemail.com.