## **The Catcuddles Sanctuary**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 December 2024**
_A FIP survivor, Madam Mimm is one of the cats fortunate to benefit from the groundbreaking treatment introduced to the UK in 2021. Thanks to specially negotiated charity pricing, we were able to access the life-saving medication that helped her make a full recovery ensuring we could stretch donations even further. This purry tuxedo girl is now thriving and found her loving, forever home in November 2024._
Registered Charity Number: 1147971
## **The Catcuddles Sanctuary**
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
## **Trustees**
The trustees during the year ended 31 December 2024 were as follows:
Miss Nafsika Korniliou resigned 16 January 2024 Ms A Georgopoulou Mr G Piskopos Mrs G Dexter resigned 5 November 2024 Mr G Dexter resigned 5 November 2024
## **Principal Address**
Tony Welsh Cat Clinic, 68 Springbank Road, London, SE13 6SN
## **Independent Examiner**
Bells Accountants, 10a High Street, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5AN
**Charity Number** 1147971
- 1 -
**The Catcuddles Sanctuary**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES**
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
The charity is an unincorporated charitable organisation governed by its approved Constitution. There were no changes to the governing document or overall governance framework during the year.
The composition of the Board of Trustees changed in 2024, with the resignations of Mr. and Mrs. Dexter in November 2024, due to declining health. Their resignations reduced the number of serving trustees to two by the end of the year. The process of appointing additional trustees commenced shortly after the close of the financial year and was successfully completed in early 2025, bringing valuable new perspectives to the board.
Operational management of the charity is overseen by the Charity Director, supported by veterinary and volunteer teams. However, in 2024 the charity’s operational capacity was significantly affected following the Charity Director’s authorised period of leave from May onwards. In response, the trustees and senior volunteers actively explored appointing an interim manager on a volunteer or pro-bono basis. While several candidates were considered, this process did not, in the end, result in a suitable appointment. During this leadership absence, the immense responsibility for grassroots operations—including the care of fostered cats and the administrative continuity of the veterinary clinic during open days—fell upon the core volunteer team. The trustees wish to place on record their deepest commendation for this team's extraordinary dedication and capability in ensuring the charity's continued operation, albeit at a significantly reduced level, under exceptionally challenging circumstances.
## **REVIEW OF THE YEAR AND OBJECTIVES**
The year 2024 constituted a period of unprecedented challenge for The Catcuddles Sanctuary, navigating a confluence of crises that tested the charity's resilience. The authorised absence of the Charity Director—who, as the founder, has long been the operational backbone and a central source of inspiration for the teams—created a critical leadership vacuum. This was compounded by a severe constriction of resources, both financial and human, with the nationwide shortage of veterinary staff which, combined with the increase in recruitment costs of contract vet staff hit the charity particularly hard.
Most significantly, the organisation faced a sustained and draining burden from complex litigation and legal matters concerning the North London clinic lease, which consumed immense energy and focus. In response to this perfect storm, the trustees implemented a deliberate strategy to pause, consolidate, and preserve the charity's long-term future, leading to a significant scaling back of activities from mid-year.
A series of key staff departures, including the live-in supervisor for the North London rehoming hub in March and the Group Practice Manager and Head Nurse in May, created critical operational gaps. The subsequent authorised leave of the Charity Director from May made it impossible to recruit new veterinary staff or manage these complex operational issues, leading to a strategic decision to pause regular veterinary operations from mid-May to preserve resources and the charity's mid-term future.
This necessary scaling back had a direct and cascading impact on all areas. The rehoming hub in North London suspended operations in March following the loss of its supervisor. The Greenwich rehoming hub, which has been historically hosted within the Charity Director's property, had to scale down in the latter part of the year. It eventually ceased all operations in December 2024, as the essential supervisory role for daily fostering activities could not be fulfilled during the Director's authorised sick leave, which began in September and continued into 2025. Consequently, the volunteer fostering team saw a reduction in capacity of cats in care, and it must be noted that volunteer fatigue became evident as morale was affected by the lack of resources and the leadership's necessary absence.
- 2 -
## **The Catcuddles Sanctuary**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES**
Despite these severe constraints, the charity's ethos of public service persevered. The dedicated online volunteer team maintained the charity's vital advocacy and public education work to the greatest extent possible, providing consistent advice and support to the public through social media and email. Rescue work, fostering and adoptions continued as well, at a reduced level to previous years, and was traditionally carried out by the experienced volunteer team.
## **Financial review**
The financial results for the year are a direct reflection of the operational challenges. Total incoming resources fell to £210,836 (2023: £350,616), primarily due to the cessation of clinic income from midMay. It is noteworthy, however, that Gift Aid claimed increased to £24,927 (2023: £9,072), a positive outcome stemming from improved processing of eligible donations.
Despite the pause in services, the charity was legally and morally committed to meeting its fixed financial obligations. The strategy for the year was to 'batten down the hatches', minimising all possible variable costs. However, the continued overheads, especially the leases for the two clinic sites, resulted in a net outgoing of resources and a necessary draw on reserves. Unrestricted funds were utilised as a crucial buffer, decreasing from £123,386 to £55,668. It is important to note that the "Clinic installation" credit of £7,907 relates to the reversal of a prior accrual for the South London clinic project which was no longer required.
While staff costs were reduced to £75,045 (2023: £119,766), this was solely due to the period of inactivity from May. The underlying cost of securing veterinary staff had become a significant and unsustainable pressure, contributing directly to the decision to pause operations. This elevated cost base remains a key challenge for the future.
## **Reserves Policy**
The charity's Reserves Policy is set at 3-6 months of operating costs. The current level of reserves, while significantly reduced, was essentially utilised to navigate the exceptional challenges of 2024, covering unavoidable fixed costs. The policy will be formally reviewed following the planned restructuring of operations and overheads in 2025.
## **Plans for the Future**
The focus for 2025 is on a careful, managed, and sustainable recovery. The trustees wish to note that legacy income was expected in 2025 and has since been received; the charity is profoundly grateful for this support, which provides the financial foundation for the following priorities:
- Recruiting new fostering volunteers to rebuild capacity.
- Relaunching veterinary services on a regular basis using contract staff, made possible by the legacy funding.
- Significantly reducing overheads by concluding the problematic North London lease at its expiry in July 2025.
- Consolidating operations around the Tony Welsh Cat Clinic in South London, with the initial goal of opening to the public one day a week.
- Endeavouring to find joint venture partners for the South London clinic, from selfemployed veterinarians to other charities, to share expertise and costs, thereby creating a more resilient and collaborative service model.
- 3 -
## **The Catcuddles Sanctuary**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES**
The return of the Charity Director in 2025 is anticipated to provide the necessary leadership to resolve the outstanding legal matter, re-engage in essential fundraising activities—a function that has always been volunteer-led—and steer the charity through this next phase of recovery and renewal.
## **Governing document**
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a constitution and is an unincorporated charity. There are no restrictions in the governing document on the operation of the charity or on its investment powers other than those imposed by general charity law.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
G Piskopos - Trustee 28 October 2025
.
- 4 -
**The Catcuddles Sanctuary**
## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Catcuddles Sanctuary**
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 6 to 10.
## **Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiner**
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
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**
The company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of AAT
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that:
- accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or
- • the accounts do not accord with such records; or
- the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP
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.
Bells Accountants 10a High Street Chislehurst Kent BR7 5AN
31 October 2025
- 5 -
## **The Catcuddles Sanctuary**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITES** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**Incoming resources**
**Incoming resources from generated funds**
Voluntary income**2**
178,598
1,120
Rebate schemes
6,191
Gift aid
24,927
**Total incoming resources**209,716
1,120
**Resources expended**
**Charitable activities**
Veterinary and medical supplies
48,022
-
Patient treatment
45,991
-
Food/fostering supplies
4,349
-
Clinic installation (7,907)
-
Staff costs**4**
75,045
-
Rent and rates
55,664
-
Depreciation**5**
12,830
-
Governance costs
18,982
-
Other resources expended23,778 -
**Total resources expended**
278,554
-
**Net (outgoing)/incoming resources**(68,838)
1,120
Total funds brought forward
**Total funds carried forward**|
|**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
179,718
338,077
6,191
3,467
24,927
9,072
210,836
350,616
48,022
65,824
45,991
77,782
4,349
10,212
(7,907)
68,130
75,045
119,766
55,664
45,335
12,830
9,718
18,982
44,784
23,778 34,602
278,554
476,153
(67,718)
(125,537)
123,386
248,923
**55,668**
**123,386**
|
|---|---|---|
||
||
- 6 -
**The Catcuddles Sanctuary**
## **BALANCE SHEET** _**AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets**5**
38,646
-
**Current assets**
Debtors**6**
28,390
-
Cash at bank and in hand
5,669
-
34,059
-
**Creditors**
Amounts falling due within one year (17,037)
-
**7**
**Net current assets/(liabilities)**
17,022
**-**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
55,668
-
**Net assets**
55,668
-
**Funds**
Unrestricted funds
**Total funds**|**Total**
**Funds**
**2024**
**£**
38,646
28,390
5,669
34,059
(17,037)
(
17,022
55,668
55,668
55,668
55,668
|**Total**
**Funds**
**2023**
**£**
32,036
23,235
103,210
126,445
35,095)
91,350
123,386
123,386
123,386
123,386
|
|---|---|---|
These financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 28 October 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
## G Piskopos - Trustee
- 7 -
## **The Catcuddles Sanctuary**
## **NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
## **1 Accounting policies**
## **Accounting convention**
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), the Charities Act 2011 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
## **Incoming resources**
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
## **Resources expended**
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:
Plant and machinery – 25% reducing balance Fixtures and fittings – 25% reducing balance
## **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 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 of the financial statements.
## **Hire purchase and leasing commitments**
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straightline basis over the period of the lease.
## **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.
## **2 Voluntary income**
Income received during the year was made up from a mixture of adoption, rehoming, and other donation generating activities as well as clinic income.
||**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|
||**£**|**£**|
|Clinic income|84,755|207,918|
|Donations|94,963
|130,159
|
||179,718
|338,077
|
- 8 -
## **The Catcuddles Sanctuary NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
## **3 Trustee’s remuneration and benefits**
There were no Trustee’s fees and expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2024 (31 December 2023 £nil)
|**4 Staff costs**
Salary and wages
The average monthly number of employees during the year was
All staff
|**2024**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
75,045 119,766
75,045
119,766
as follows:
2
2
|
|---|---|
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000
|**5 Tangible Fixed Assets**
**Plant and**
**Fixtures**
**Machinery**
**and fittings**
**£**
**£**
**Cost**
At 1 January 2023
60,580
36,369
Additions
18,434
1,006
At 31 December 2024
79,014
37,375
**Depreciation**
At 1 January 2023
35,629
29,284
Charge for year
10,807
2,023
At 31 December 2024
46,436 29,284
**Net book value**
At 31 December 2024
32,578
6,068
At 31 December 2023
24,951
7,085|**Totals**
**£**
96,949
19,440
116,389
64,913
12,830
77,743
38,646
32,036|**Totals**
**£**
96,949
19,440
116,389
64,913
12,830
77,743
38,646
32,036|
|---|---|---|
||
||
|||
38,646
32,036|
- 9 -
**The Catcuddles Sanctuary**
## **NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**_
|
**6 Debtors: Amounts falling due within one-year**
Other debtors
**7 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one-year**
Trade creditors
Other creditors
|**2024**
**£**
28,390
28,390
**2024**
**£**
4,369
12,668
17,037
|**2023**
**£**
23,235
23,235
**2023**
**£**
25,241
9,854
35,095
|
|---|---|---|
- 10 -
**The Catcuddles Sanctuary**
## **CHARITY INFORMATION**
www.catcuddles.org.uk/
www.facebook.com/CatcuddlesUK
@catcuddles.org.uk
@catcuddles
www.linkedin.com/company/catcuddles
www.youtube.com/c/TheCatcuddlesSanctuary
_Siblings Eddie, Med and Red were discovered on a cargo ship travelling to the UK and spent several months in a quarantine cattery before being released into our care._
_Their journey was anything but ordinary and sisters Med and Red were a little shy at first but soon blossomed; first with us, and later in their forever homes. Thanks to generous donations from our supporters to support our charity-funded waiting list, their futures were secured._
_Eddie and Med were adopted together in September 2024, and Red found her forever home the following month._
Registered Charity Number: 1147971