# **Annual Report & Accounts for year ended 31st March 2022**
**Mummy's Star is a registered charity in England & Wales (1152808), Scotland (SC046449), Ireland (20106812) and a registered company (8548961).**
## **Contents**
## **Welcome**
1. 'Now more than ever', an introduction from our Founder and CEO 2. 'Welcoming more mums and a clear strategy', a message from our Chairperson
## **Who we are**
3. Our Impact
4. Our Story
5. Our Objectives and Activities
## **Strategic report**
6. Achievements and Performance
7. Monitoring Performance and Impact
8. Supporter Impact
9. Financial Review
10. Future Plans
## **Governance**
11. Our Charitable Objects
12. The Board of Trustees
13. The Star Team
14. Our Advisors and Partner Organisations
15. Charity reference and administrative details
## **Financial statements**
16. Trustees Responsibilities statement
17. Independent Examiners Report
18. Statement of Financial Activities for year ending March 2022
19. Balance Sheet
20. Notes to the Accounts
21. Thank you
1
## _**'Now more than ever.'**_
**an introduction from our Founder and CEO, Pete Wallroth**
**As we close out our ninth year, we reflect upon the families we support, the types of support we offer and how we might develop our services to keep up with a changing world and their changing needs.**
2021-2022 was another challenging year for our families. The ongoing impact of COVID disrupted mums going into hospital for surgery, treatment, and to deliver their baby, and the increasing cost of living has caused growing concern. We experienced a slight fall in income for the first time in almost ten years but, thanks to financial prudence in previous years, this did not have an impact on the level of service we offered our families.
Mummy’s Star has continued to work towards its vision that ‘everyone who is diagnosed with cancer in and around pregnancy can access support free of charge, in a timely manner’.
We have delivered bespoke cancer and pregnancy training sessions, virtually and inperson, to midwives, healthcare professionals, and trainees across the UK. Feedback continues to be very positive and highlights the importance of raising awareness among all medical staff, so they are better placed to see the symptoms and help get a more accurate and earlier diagnosis.
I feel confident that we are starting 2022-2023 in a robust position. Thanks to solid reserves, the fact that our team was already set up to work at home, and close control on other costs, the charity’s expenditure remained consistent throughout the year and kept in line with financial forecasts. Funds have been spent in line with our objectives and used effectively to provide the various elements of support available for families.
Going forward, I believe that families will need our support now more than ever before, as the fallout from the pandemic and the current economic situation will impact their mental health as much as cancer is impacting their physical health.
I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who is a part of the Mummy’s Star family.
Pete Wallroth CEO/Founder
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## _**'Welcoming more mums and a clear strategy'**_
**a statement from our Chairperson, Gillian Smith MBE**
**A year has passed since my last formal report and I hoped we could look forward with some optimism after the pandemic.**
However, the current economic crisis has thrown up an increasing number of challenges for charities and Mummy's Star families. Despite this, I am delighted to see how much the charity has grown and kept up with changing needs and concerns.
There is a growing interest in the work of Mummy’s Star internationally. This confirms that we are at the forefront of the conversation around the subject of cancer and pregnancy and are well-placed to advise how best to support families through a uniquely difficult time.
As the former Director of the Royal College of Midwives in Scotland, I am very proud to see the continued growth of our education work over the last year. This will help ensure earlier intervention for women we support with person-centred care and informed choice.
Katie McGlynn, our Patron, has continued to use her profile to raise awareness of Mummy’s Star, drawing particular attention to cervical cancer, the importance of screening, and attending smear tests. We are grateful for her continued support since her character's cancer and pregnancy storyline was featured in Coronation Street a few years ago.
Our long-serving Patron Dr Jacque Gerrard has continued to support Mummy's Star with the same level of commitment and enthusiasm as when she came on board in December 2015. As an ambassador for the organisation, she continues to elevate knowledge of our work throughout the Royal College of Midwifery (RCM), British Journal of Midwifery (BJM) and beyond, which has helped us to establish a firm foothold for our education and awareness sessions. We are hugely appreciative of her ongoing support.
**As Mummy’s Star looks forward to 2022-2023, much of our focus will be around raising awareness of cancer and pregnancy, to increase the number of women and birthing people that are aware of the charity and contact us for support, while ensuring we continue to provide personalised support, in a sensitive and timely way.**
My thanks to everyone who is involved in making Mummy's Star a shining light for families in need.
Dr Gillian B. Smith, MBE, DUniv., MSc, BA, RM, ADM, RN Chairperson, Mummy’s Star
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## **Our Impact**
## **2021-22**
**As the pandemic continued, our families had to manage all the difficulties Covid brought alongside the challenges of cancer in and around pregnancy. We did everything we could to support them.**
We provided bespoke, one-to-one support to over 400 mums experiencing cancer in or around a pregnancy; 159 of these were new mums who found us in 2021.
Our Information and Support Workers participated in almost 3000 different conversations and communications with mums and families; via text, phone, video chat, and email.
We provided small grants to 114 families struggling with the unexpected cost of a cancer diagnosis, treatment, or recovery; covering expenses such as transport costs, childcare costs, or the provision of lightweight, easy to carry buggies and car seats.
Our award-winning Cancer and Pregnancy Awareness Week content reached the largest audience we have ever engaged with online and in person, sharing vital insights about the realities and complexities of cancer that cannot be cured.
Our amazing Star supporters, including many of our Star Mums and families, raised a fantastic £227,295 through virtual and inperson fundraising to fund our vital work.
**£227,295**
**Everything we have achieved is thanks to their generous support!**
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## **Our Stor y**
## **We are the only charity in the UK and Ireland dedicated to supporting mums and birthing parents affected by cancer in or around pregnancy.**
## **Our purpose**
Mummy’s Star supports women and birthing parents who receive a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy, up to twelve months after the birth of their baby, or who experience a baby loss due to their cancer.
Mummy’s Star is here to support them from diagnosis, through pregnancy, birth, loss and beyond.
## **Our mission statement**
Our aim is to reduce women/birthing parents' anxiety and feelings of isolation, enable them to make informed choices about their cancer treatment and pregnancy care, and raise awareness about the financial, logistical, and psychological challenges they may face.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Mummy's Star was founded
in memory of Mair Wallroth
**----- End of picture text -----**
Mair was a much-loved mummy, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 22 weeks pregnant with her second child and sadly passed away two months after his birth.
Mair was just 41 years old when she died.
Mummy’s Star was created by her husband Pete to ensure families going through a similar experience could access all the support and information they needed in one place, and to help them navigate this traumatic and complex situation.
**Mummy's Star is a registered charity in England & Wales (1152808), Scotland (SC046449), Ireland (20106812) and a registered company (8548961).**
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## **Our Objectives and Activities**
## **Our Vision**
**For every person diagnosed with cancer in and around their pregnancy to be able to access the support Mummy’s Star offers in a timely manner.**
## **How do we achieve this?**
1. Personalised one-to-one support for every mum/birthing parent delivered by trained Information and Support Workers.
2. Online forums for mums/birthing parents where they feel safe to ask questions, share their anxieties and offer ‘peer to peer’ support to one another.
3. Bespoke advice and information about cancer in and around pregnancy, including links to localised services and signposting to other organisations who can help.
4. Advocacy on behalf of families to ensure they can make informed choices throughout pregnancy and after they have their baby. This includes working directly with health professionals and other organisations.
5. Cancer and Pregnancy Education and Training Programme for healthcare **Our Vision** professionals to expand on and complement current training and curriculum provision. 6. Small Grants Programme to help families pay for unexpected costs that arise after their cancer diagnosis. Every grant is reviewed and authorised by the Trustees and CEO. **Our Mission**
7. Support for partners, children, and extended family members, which may include pre-bereavement support and bereavement support which continues to be available to them when a mum sadly dies.
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## **Public Benefit**
## **What is the public benefit need?**
Reduction in isolation and anxiety for women and birthing people diagnosed with cancer, who are enabled to make informed choices about treatment and pregnancy For every person diagnosed with cancer in and around their pregnancy to care and the preservation of their mental and physical health. be able to access the support Mummy’s Star offers in a timely manner.
## **Who will benefit from the organisations activities?**
The charity focuses on supporting women, birthing people and their families when the:
·Mother or birthing parent is diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy;
·Mother or birthing parent is diagnosed with cancer within a year of giving birth; and/or
·Mother or birthing parent loses life to cancer diagnosed in either of the time periods above.
## **How will they benefit?**
The charity provides support and information to reduce the emotional, practical, and financial challenges faced by families following their cancer diagnosis by providing one-to-one support, online forums, bespoke advice, advocacy, education and small grants.
## **What similar services are currently available?**
No other cancer charity in the UK or Ireland specifically supports women or birthing parents diagnosed with cancer in and around pregnancy.
## **What is the unfulfilled need?**
Anyone diagnosed with cancer in and around pregnancy, or who sadly experiences a baby loss due to their cancer, can feel isolated and alone. They often say that they have nowhere to turn and no one understands what it is like to go through such a traumatic illness at this precious stage in life. Mummy's Star is there to fill this gap. **Our Mission**
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## **Achievements and Performance**
## **Support**
In 2021-2022, Mummy's Star saw a slight increase in the number of people who contacted the charity for support compared to the previous year. Despite ongoing restrictions and difficulties due to the COVID pandemic, support provision was not disrupted and services continued to expand as planned.
We welcomed an additional Information and Support Worker, taking the Support Team to three and enabling us to continue offering high-quality, personalised support for existing and newly diagnosed mums and birthing parents.
This role was created as a direct response to the increased need for support due to COVID and was possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters and grant-giving trusts. The post was initially funded for two years but has proved so valuable that we intend to keep three Information and Support Workers permanently.
Our monthly Ask The Expert sessions have provided a fantastic resource for mums, birthing parents and healthcare professionals; giving them the chance to ask specific questions about important topics to an expert in that field. Topics have included Welfare and Benefits, Birth Trauma and Anxiety. The topics have all been suggested by our mums.
## **Training and Education Programme**
Our work with universities grew significantly in this period with us delivering both shorter educational sessions and longer study events at over 25 locations nationwide to 2453 attendees in total.
Sessions were delivered in person and virtually to accommodate the needs of the attendees and ensure maximum attendance for their cohort. This has built successful relationships with students and tutors alike and will, in the future, see repeated annual training and education sessions taking place.
The ultimate aim is for these sessions to be incorporated into the core curriculum which would allow us to raise awareness among front line healthcare professionals who will have the greatest impact on diagnosis and care for women and birthing parents. It would also enable us to secure a regular fee for this provision.
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## **Public and Professional Awareness**
2021-2022 has been another successful year for raising awareness about cancer in and around pregnancy, in the public and the healthcare sector.
The charity has focused on increasing overall awareness about the role Mummy's Star can play after a diagnosis and the support it can offer to women, birthing parents and their families.
Increased awareness was in part a result of the training and education programme and bespoke presentations delivered by Pete, the CEO and founder.
These sessions reached a wide range of healthcare professionals - from midwives to oncologists to radiographers to matrons - and we have received encouraging feedback from all the different groups
## **Cancer and Pregnancy Awareness Week 2021**
- "Pete was absolutely
- brilliant at delivering the presentation and
- introducing me to an aspect of caring for
- pregnant women (and
- people) that I had never even previously thought about.
- It definitely will make me more aware of the
- prevalence of cancer during the ante and
- postnatal period, and also improve the standard of care that we can provide as (student) midwives/
- health care professionals!"
Cancer and Pregnancy Awareness Week 2021 played a key role in raising public awareness.
This year we focused on _**When Cancer Cannot Be Cured.**_
Topics discussed during the week included the different language used to describe incurable cancer, the impact an incurable diagnosis can have on relationships, how to talk to children about cancer, and how people still want to be treated as themselves despite their cancer.
**Thank you** to everyone who contributed and helped us reach over 5.2 million people during the week.
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## **Thanks to our Mums for sharing their stories**
Families supported by Mummy’s Star are important ambassadors for the work we do and many are happy to share their stories to various media outlets, on social media, and at education sessions. This 'real-life' touch is vital, allowing us to reach and engage with the widest possible audience across the UK and Ireland.
We appreciate that it is often difficult for them to write about the trauma they have experienced but it is extremely valuable and reassures others going through a similar experience that they are not alone during this distressing time. Thank you.
## **Media coverage**
The team supports any mums or families who want to help raise awareness about the charity, our work or cancer in and around pregnancy. Various stories have been published throughout the year across the UK including some national media coverage.
We were delighted when three of our mums were invited to assist with the research being done for Julia Bradbury's documentary Breast Cancer and Me in April 2022.
Our Patron, Katie McGlynn also nominated us as her chosen charity when she took part in the gameshow _Catchphrase_ . This generated multiple donations and an increase in traffic to our website during the show.
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## **Monitorin Performance and Im act g p**
**We use a number of Key Performance Indicators to monitor and evaluate our performance and the impact we have on women/birthing parents, their families, and healthcare professionals.**
- Number of women/birthing parents receiving advice and support
- Number of women/birthing parents actively using the Mummy’s Star forums
Number of new mum/birthing parents who contact Mummy's Star "Thank you" quote from a midwife at Necastle university
- Number of healthcare professionals who attended our Training and Education Programme sessions
Number of grants distributed to families
The total amount of money issued to families via the Small Grant Programme
All the above information is held on a secure database, as stipulated in our Data Protection Policy and ICO guidance.
The information above is reported to the Trustees as part of regular reports for Board Meetings and Governance Meetings, held on alternate months.
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## **Su orter Im act pp p**
**Mummy's Star does not receive any statutory or NHS funding so all of our charitable activities are made possible thanks to the generosity of others. Everything we have achieved is thanks to their dedicated upport! Thanks to our amazing supporters and donors we raised an incredible £228,415 to help our families, in 2021-22.**
We received **£49,745** from people taking part in **fundraising challenges** this year and were so impressed by the amazing things people chose to challenge themselves with, including ultra-marathons, runs, bike rides, lake swims, head shaves, sponsored canters and football tournaments!
**Grant-giving trusts** have supported our charitable work throughout the year and gifted an incredible **£90,792.** Their grants have specifically paid for:
- A third Information and Support Worker for 2 years Bespoke cancer and pregnancy training and education sessions for healthcare professionals for the year Bereavement support for families after a mum has died.
We are always touched when families remember Mummy's Star after their loved one has died. Some families choose to **donate in their memory** immediately after and others fundraise as part of a celebration of their life at different milestones after they die. This year **£21,037** was donated in memory of loved ones.
We are grateful for all the **gifts in kind** we received this year, including items
from our Amazon Wish List, amazing raffle prizes and copies of _Mummy Goes to Hospital_ by its author and Star Mum Lynsey Gregory. We send out small gifts when mums or families are going through a particularly difficult time or if they need support explaining their cancer to their children.
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## **Financial Review**
**This year has been challenging financially as we saw a drop in income and an increase in expenditure compared to previous years. Although the charity ended the period in deficit, Mummy’s Star remains in a stable financial position overall.**
## **Expenditure summary 2021-2022**
Thanks to reserves, a lack of office rental costs, the fact everyone was already set up to work at home and close control on other costs, the charity’s expenditure remained consistent throughout the year and with financial forecasts.
Funds have been spent in line with our objectives and used effectively to provide the various elements of support available for families.
## **Income summary 2021-2022**
The charity focused on diversifying its income streams in this period to ensure it is not reliant on any one source of income, making it more sustainable for the future. The goal to secure funding from grant-giving trusts and grow this income to around 40% of total income has been achieved. This has helped with service development and future planning.
Income levels for the year (2021-22) were 7% below the previous year (2020-21) and this was due to fewer people taking part in sponsored events. A drop in income had been predicted as the year progressed and fundraising activities were regularly reviewed.
Income came from grant-giving trusts, individuals, corporates and community groups as well as income generated through charity-led fundraising activities. COVID meant we had to adapt the way we fundraised and some methods of virtual fundraising proved extremely successful. Going forward we will incorporate some of these into our annual fundraising calendar.
## **Breakdown of income by reason/source 2021-2022**
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## **Looking forward to 2022-2023**
As well as continuing to deal with the financial ramifications of the pandemic, fundraisers and service users are now being impacted by the cost-of-living crisis and rapidly rising inflation.
In real terms, this resulted in income levels falling by over 60% in the first three months of the year ending 31 March 2023 (a period in which we have observed a rapid rise in inflation). Months four and five saw higher levels of income and Trustees are prepared for significant fluctuations from month to month during 2022-2023.
## **Reserves Policy**
Our current reserves policy is to hold 6 months' running costs.
This is to ensure that, if the charity had to wind down, women and birthing parents already in contact would still be able to access support as they go through treatment, which on average lasts 4-6 months. This is reviewed regularly by Trustees.
## **General Funds and Designated Funds**
The charity has a number of designated funds that enable donors to choose the charitable activity they would like their funding to benefit. This has proven successful with grant-giving trusts and has helped the team to plan its support offering and identify future development opportunities. Ideas and pilot projects such as Ask The Expert have been built in to the general support offering following specific funding.
**The Charity will seek to increase its income next year by focusing on individual projects and activities, continuing to build strong relationships with existing supporters and donors, as well as attracting new supporters.**
## **Trading**
The charity trades pre-purchased, Mummy's Star branded goods namely t-shirts, hooded tops for adults and children, silicon wristbands for adults and children, running vests, training tops and cycling tops. These items are traded via the shop on our website.
Some branded merchandise is given to fundraisers free of charge to help raise awareness about Mummy’s Star as they carry out their fundraising events or activity.
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## **Future Plans**
**The Board and Team regularly discuss which elements of support are working well, what needs reviewing, the needs of our families and the feedback received, to help shape future support provision. Our plans for the next 12 months and beyond include: Support for women and birthing parents** We aim to increase financial support for individuals in need by signposting them to local organisations and charities that could potentially offer additional financial assistance.
A vital objective for next year is to develop a pre-bereavement support package for individuals facing a diagnosis of cancer that can't be cured.
## **Support for partners and other family members**
We plan to develop a bespoke package of support and communication specifically for partners. This support will be provided by a different Support Worker than the associated mum/birth parent to ensure professional and confidential boundaries are maintained.
We will also consider how we can improve and expand the signposting to other support for family members, especially immediately before or after the bereavement of the mother/birth parent or a baby.
## **Communication**
We aim to develop and promote an inclusive service, in both the language we use and the practical elements of our service, to best represent all users and future users of Mummy’s Star.
We will also work to ensure our support is visible and accessible to anyone who is eligible, at point of their diagnosis, by working with relevant local organisations to improve awareness.
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## **Education and awareness**
We aim to increase the reach of our Training and Education Programme for healthcare professionals and double the number of institutions that deliver a Cancer and Pregnancy module by September 2024. A key part of this will also be to expand the different professions reached, with a particular focus on GPs and primary care nurses.
We will continue to establish our position as a key research collaborator in Cancer and Pregnancy related work.
Our ultimate goal for educating healthcare professionals about cancer and pregnancy is for these sessions to be incorporated into the core curriculum at each institution on an annual basis.
## **Partnership**
In 2022-2023, we will continue to build a strong network of cancer charities and support organisations and work together to better support families.
We will also continue to represent the specific needs of our patient groups at policy level across the UK and Ireland, to ensure the challenges they face are understood within the cancer sector and adequately resourced.
## **Governance**
We aim to create a patient user group representative of the different families we support and the differing circumstances they face. They may have to interact with the Board and help inform future decision making. This will ensure we can maintain family-centred care and support.
## **Financial sustainability**
We will continue to build new relationships with donors and develop existing relationships so we maintain a diverse range of income streams to ensure long-term sustainability.
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## **Governance**
## **Our Objects**
**The Charity’s objects (as listed on the Charity Commission) are specifically restricted to the relief of sickness and need, and the preservation of health for those families who have a mother or birthing parent who:**
**receives a diagnosis of cancer during their pregnancy (which is defined from being 1 week pregnant up to and including delivery, or if the pregnancy ends**
**receives a diagnosis of cancer at any time postnatally up to the youngest child**
**loses their life to cancer, following a diagnosis in either of the time periods specified in (a) or (b) above,**
**by (but not limited to) the provision of financial assistance, support and practical advice.**
**Mummy’s Star has a strong staff and management committee, drawn from a variety of sectors and with a wide range of skills and expertise, in addition to personal experiences of cancer. All Trustees and Advisors give their time in a voluntary capacity.**
## **Trustee Recruitment/Officer Appointment**
Where vacancies arise on the Board of Trustees or an expansion of the Board is required, a public advert will be made outlining the role, the time and skills required and the nature of what being a Trustee means in full and in line with guidance provided by both the Charities Commission and NCVO. The officer roles of the Board are elected at the AGM.
## **Accommodation**
The charity presently has no accommodation assets.
## **New Equipment and Consumables**
New equipment and consumables to enable the charity to carry out its work will be purchased as necessary, but will always seek to attain value for money.
## **Risk**
During the year, a risk register was developed and is now being reviewed by the Board on a regular basis.
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## **Star board**
## **Served in the year of 2021 and up to the end of March 2022**
**Gillian Smith Peter Wallroth Jacquelyn Sheldon**
Chairperson / Trustee (appointed 1 April 2018)
CEO/Trustee (appointed 30 May 2013) Secretary/Trustee (appointed 1 May 2018)
**Cathy Wentworth David Wright Thomas Groom Salima Jones Fiona Mann**
Trustee (appointed 1 April 2017)
Trustee (appointed 6 Nov 2018)
Treasurer/Trustee (appointed 12 Dec 2018)
Trustee (appointed 1 March 2019)
Trustee (appointed 10 March 2021)
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## **Star team**
## **Served in the year of 2021 and up to the end of March 2022**
**Pete Wallroth** CEO and Founder **Sarah Flain** Fundraising Manager **Tracey Derbyshire** Information and Support Worker **Rebecca Brazier** Information and Support Worker **Lisa Whittaker** Information and Support Worker **Louise Harlow Keli Tomlin** Information and Support Worker **Yasmin Hughes** (Started March 2022) Fundraising and Engagement Officer **Louise Harlow** (maternity leave May 2021 to May 2022) Charity Administrator **Keli Tomlin**
Fundraising and Engagement Officer (maternity leave May 2021 to May 2022)
Charity Administrator (maternity cover)
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## **Our Advisors & Partner Or anisations g**
**Jude Jones** _**Midwifery**_ **Dr Jenny Rattray** _**General Practice**_
**Throughout this year we have continued to work closely with specialist cancer charities and family support organisations. This collaborative approach ensures families have the best package of care around them and are well-informed throughout their maternity and cancer care.**
Working together includes cross-referrals between organisations and also branches into campaign work around particular cancer types, screening, and body awareness messaging.
We are now active members of Cancer52, along with over 100 other organisations, which focuses on some of the rarer cancers and works specifically within our core age demographic. As part of the group, we promote the needs of our families and highlight the challenges they face diagnostically and practically following diagnosis. This allows us to feed into national strategies such as the 10 year cancer plan, through the #OneCancerVoice campaign.
We continue our role with the MBBRACE-UK ley report structure, contributing case studies and anonymised data to ensure our families and their needs are appropriately represented.
Thanks to a growth in research interest into cancer and pregnancy, from both a qualitative and quantitative perspective, we are increasingly contacted as experts often by PhD students and, this year, The University of Surrey, who we have joined as a collaborative partner alongside the National Oncology Trainees Collaborative for Healthcare Research (NOTCH).
Image courtesy of Cancer 52
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## **Charit Reference & Administrative Details y**
**Charity Name:** Mummy’s Star
**Registered Address:** Suite 4, St Michaels Court, St Michaels Square, Stamford St Central, Ashton, OL6 6XN
**Postal Address:** PO Box 428, Hadfield, Glossop, SK14 9EA
**Email:** info@mummysstar.org
**Telephone Number:** 07939 154217
**Website:** www.mummysstar.org
**Legal Status:** Registered Charity in England and Wales (1152808), Scotland (SC046449), Ireland (20106812) and is a registered company (8548961)
**HMRC Charities Reference number:** EW03536
**Independent Examiner:** Stephanie Stevens, Shaw House, 1 Shaw Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6QJ
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## **Trustees Res onsibilities Statement p**
Trustees' responsibilities in relation to the financial statements.
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing a trustees' annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
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 (Financial Reporting Standard 102 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 income and expenditure, of the Charity for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
- prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity 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 Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
## **Disclosure of information to independent examiners**
Each person who was a director at the time this report was approved confirms that:
• so far as they are aware, there is no relevant information of which the Charity's independent examiner is unaware; and
• they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a director in order to make themself aware of any relevant information and to establish that the Charity's independent examiner is aware of that information.
This report was approved by the board on 8 November 2022 and signed on its behalf.
Peter Wallroth Director
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## **Independent Examiner's Report to the Board of Mumm 's Star y**
I report on the unaudited accounts of Mummy's Star for the year ended 31 March 2022 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".
## **Respective responsibilities of trustees' and independent examiner**
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
I am qualified to undertake the examination, being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Having satisfied myself that the Charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
·examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
·to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
·to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of the independent examiner's report**
My examination was carried out in accordance with 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:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
·to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
·to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirement of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
28 November 2022 Stephanie Stevens (Independent Examiner) Shaw House 1 Shaw Street Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6QJ
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## **Statement of financial activities for year ending 31st March 2022**
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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**Balance Sheet at 31st March 2021**
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
The trustees are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to obtain an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Act.
The trustees have acknowledged on the balance sheet as at 31 March 2022 their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
Peter Wallroth Director Approved by the board on 8 November 2022
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**Notes to to the Account at 31st March 2022**
## **1 Summary of significant accounting policies**
## **Basis of preparation**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
## **Income**
Income is recognised when the Charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.
Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the Charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the Charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate.
Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably, and the Charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the Charity, or the Charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.
Income received in advance of the provision of specified services it is deferred until the criteria for income recognition is met.
## **Donated services and facilities**
Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the Charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the Charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised.
On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the Charity which is the amount the Charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
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## **Interest receivable**
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.
## **Fund accounting**
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of Charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the Charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the Charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the Charity.
## **Tangible fixed assets**
Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulative depreciation and any accumulative impairment losses.
Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, other than freehold land, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset evenly over its expected useful life, as follows:
Fixtures, fittings and equipment over 3 years
## **Debtors**
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
## **Cash at bank and in hand**
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
## **Creditors**
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
## **2. Legal status of the Charity**
The Charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per Trustee of the Charity.
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## **3. Income from donations and legacies**
## **4. Investment income**
## **5. Expenditure on raising funds**
## **6. Expenditure on charitable activities**
## **7. Other Expenditure**
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## **8. Net income / (expenditure) is after charging**
## **9. Staff Costs**
No employees had employee benefits in excess of £60,000.
With the exception of Peter Wallroth, the Charity trustees were not paid, nor received any other benefits from employment with the Charity in the year.
Peter Wallroth received a salary of £38,400.36 in the year for his duties as Chief Executive Officer (a market rate as agreed by the Board of Trustees). Any conflict of interest is managed internally and documented, to ensure that independence in any decision-making is maintained.
## **10. Tangible Fixed Assets**
Laptops are purchased for new joiners. These are always expensed rather than capitalised.
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## **11. Stocks**
## **12. Debtors**
## **13. Creditors, amounts falling due within 1 year**
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## **14. Analysis of charitable funds**
## **Unrestricted funds:**
## _**Name of unrestricted fund Description, nature and purpose of the fund**_
General fund The 'free reserves' after allowing for all designated funds
Designated fund Funds given and ringfenced for operational continuity and specific activities such as Education and Training; bereavement Support and the Small Grant Programme
## **We have 6 categories of designated funds as follows:**
**1. Small grants programme fund** - The small grants programme provides families with a grant to alleviate immediate financial burden due to their cancer diagnosis in and around pregnancy. All grants issued to families are subject to a formal application process and are agreed by Trustees.
**2. Operational Continuity Fund** - to support a wind-down should that ever be required.
**3. Training and Education Fund** - to support midwives and healthcare professionals accessing appropriate training and education about cancer in and around pregnancy
**4. Information and Support Worker Appeal** - to fund additional support to women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy, birth, loss, and beyond
**5. Bereavement/Memory Making Fund** - to enable families to make memories and to support the family through their bereavement
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- **6. Emotional Support Fund** to provide intensive, one-to-one emotional support for women diagnosed with cancer in and around pregnancy
At the end of the year designated funds totaled £102,679 and comprised:
**1. Small Grants Programme Fund:** £35,615 set aside to cover small grant applications over the next 12 months
**2. Operational Continuity Fund:** £50,000 of liquidity buffer to ensure operational continuity in a wind down (roughly equal to six months of operating costs in wind down)
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**3. Training and Education Fund:** £3,000 designated for training and education (in accordance with the wishes of a funder)
**4. Information and Support Worker Appeal:** £4,679 designated for the increased level of support that is being provided to mums following the onset of C19.This is in accordance with the wishes of 6 different donations
**5. Bereavement/Memory Making Fund:** £9,385 in accordance with the wishes of one individual donor
**6. Emotional Support Fund:** £0
## **Restricted fund:**
Restricted funds were received during the year in connection with the Information and Support Worker Appeal and for Training and Education.
At the end of the year, £2,075 remained restricted (all associated with the Information and Support Worker Appeal).
The table below sets out how those 6 designated funds have moved over the last 12 months.
## **15. Presentation Currency**
The financial statements are presented in Sterling.
## **16. Principle Place of Business**
The address of the company's principal place of business and registered office is: St. Michaels Court
Michaels Square Stamford St Centre Ashton-Under-Lyne OL6 6XN
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## **Thank you**
We appreciate every single one of our supporters - individuals, grant-giving trusts, organisations, partners, donors and healthcare professionals - who help us to provide tailored, one-to-one support to mums and birthing parents affected by cancer in or around their pregnancy.
**Thank you for ensuring these families feel supported and better informed and know that they aren't alone during this distressing time.**
## **Find us:**
**mummysstar.org @mummys.star**
**@mummysstar**