# **Annual Report & Accounts** _Mummy's Star is a registered charity in England & Wales (1152808), Scotland (SC046449), Ireland (20106812)_ **for year ended 31st March 2023** _and a registered company (8548961)._
_Mummy's Star is a registered charity in England & Wales (1152808), Scotland (SC046449), Ireland (20106812) and a registered company (8548961)._
## **Welcome**
## **Contents**
1. 'We learn from each family', an introduction from our CEO and Founder 2. 'Continuing to grow’ and Accessible to everyone’, messages from our outgoing and incoming Chairpeople
## **Who we are**
3. Our Impact
4. Our Story
5. Our Objectives and Activities
6. Public Benefit
## **Strategic report**
7. Achievements and Performance
8. Monitoring Performance and Impact
9. Supporter Impact
10. Financial Review
11. Future Plans
## **Governance**
12. Our Charitable Objects
13. The Mummy’s Star Board, Team and Advisors
14. Remembering Nicolette
15. Collaboration and Partner Organisations
16. Charity Reference and Administrative Details
## **Financial statements**
16. Trustees Responsibilities statement
17. Independent Examiners Report
18. Statement of Financial Activities for year ending March 2023
19. Balance Sheet
20. Notes to the Accounts
21. Thank you
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## **We learn from each family**
**an introduction from our Founder and CEO, Pete Wallroth**
_**As Mummy's Star approaches its 10th anniversary we will be celebrating and remembering the 1,500 amazing mums, babies and families that have been a part of this journey.**_
_**We will also reflect upon the incredible things that have been achieved in that time for our families.**_
I truly believe that being able to provide support to families and to be invited into their lives at such a vulnerable time is a great privilege and one that we value as a team.
We learn from every family we are in touch with because the support offered must reflect what each family needs and what they are going through. We then pass on that learning and develop our support offering for the next family, and the one after them.
This personal and proactive approach will never change, as it’s what stands us apart. At times we have perhaps played down the significance of our role in the charity sector, specifically our understanding of the importance of emotional wellbeing as a part of an individual's cancer care. We know that there is always room to learn more which is why we are keen to continue working with partner organisations and research projects to develop a more holistic approach to cancer in and around pregnancy.
Since our inception in 2013, we have collaborated with many healthcare providers, charities, universities and support groups across the UK. We love these opportunities because that is how we optimise raising awareness nationally and deliver better care for mums and families, by increasing our own understanding.
More recently, we have established ourselves in the role of educator. Mummy's Star has delivered more Cancer and Pregnancy Training and Education sessions this year than ever before, at universities and healthcare settings across the UK and Ireland.
**Ten years ago we began a conversation about a subject not often discussed, and we have taken immense strides to shine a spotlight on cancer and pregnancy since then; raising awareness that it can happen and providing reassurance that if it does, someone is there to provide support through pregnancy, birth, loss and beyond.**
Thank you to everyone involved for helping us get to where we are today.
Pete Wallroth Mummy's Star CEO and Founder
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## **Continuing to grow**
**a statement from our outgoing Chairperson, Gillian Smith MBE**
**The Charity started the year in a strong position thanks to prudent housekeeping by our CEO and Board of Trustees although there was nothing to be complacent about.**
It is a tribute to all those concerned that the charity has managed these unprecedented economic challenges and continued to grow and support the women and their families who need a safe space and support to deal with their diagnosis and treatment.
As I step down as Chair, I am delighted to leave the charity in a strong position and hand the baton to Kathryn Nattress. Reflecting on what has been achieved as we head in to the 10th anniversary since the charity was established, there is a lot to be proud of! The charity has gone from strength to strength and is increasingly recognised across the UK and internationally. The educational component has increased and continues to be adopted as part of the ongoing midwifery curriculum and is being picked up by other professional groups
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity as Chairperson and best of luck for the future. Gillian
Dr Gillian B. Smith, MBE, DUniv., MSc, BA, RM, ADM, RN Chairperson, Mummy’s Star
## **Accessible to everyone**
**a statement from our incoming Chairperson, Kathryn Nattress**
**The first decade of Mummy’s Star focused on establishing the charity and supporting those who contacted us. The next decade we’ll focus on expanding awareness to ensure our unique support is accessible to everyone who needs it.**
It is an honour to be following in Gillian’s footsteps and taking on the position of Chair at such an exciting time for the charity. With my background in cancer and palliative care nursing, and a passion for enhancing patient experience, I hope to further develop Mummy’s Star unique attributes for supporting families at such a vulnerable time. While we appreciate that we cannot change their cancer diagnosis, we strive to support them and ensure their emotional wellbeing is not detrimentally impacted as well.
I’m looking forward to being a part of the Mummy’s Star family.
## Kathryn
Kathryn Nattress, RGN, BSC and MSc Chairperson, Mummy’s Star
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## **Our Im act p**
## **2022-23**
Mummy's Star provided personalised, **one-to-one support to 430 women and birthing people** who received a cancer diagnosis in or around their pregnancy. 149 of these were newly diagnosed this year and made contact with us shortly after receiving their diagnosis.
The Support Team personalise the method of support offered to each individual by engaging with mums and parents over the phone, video call, text message, email, and voice note; whatever their preference.
This year, **the team made 3897 support communications** .
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Our **Small Grants Programme** continues to help families struggling with the unexpected cost of a cancer diagnosis.
There is a robust application process in place, which is simple to complete, and funds are issued quickly to minimise stress and maximise benefit.
This year **121 grants were given to families in need** to cover extra expenses such as transport costs, childcare, or buying lightweight buggies and car seats. This has been even more important due to the cost of living crisis.
1 in 1000 pregnancies are affected by cancer, but it is still not a compulsory part of NHS training or university courses. We run **the UK's only Cancer and Pregnancy Training and Education Programme** to fill this knowledge gap and raise vital awareness among healthcare professionals.
We are truly moved that this year **we have received the greatest amount of donations ever** , despite the cost of living crisis hitting everyone across the UK. We do not receive any statutory funding, so our work is funded entirely through donations.
## **£257,913 DONATED**
**Everything we have done this year is a direct result of people's support and generosity. Thank you!**
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## **Our Story**
**We are the only charity in the UK and Ireland dedicated to supporting mums and birthing parents diagnosed with 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 around their diagnosis.
Mummy’s Star is here to support them from the moment they are diagnosed, through their pregnancy, birth, loss and beyond.
## **Our Mission Statement**
We aim 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 emotional, practical and financial challenges they may face.
**Mummy's Star was founded in memory of Mair Wallroth**
**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 just two months after his birth.**
**Mair was 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.**
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## **Our Objectives & Activities**
## **Our Vision**
**For every person diagnosed with cancer in or around their pregnancy to be able to access the support Mummy’s Star offers in a timely manner.**
## **What support do we offer mums & birthing parents?**
1. One-to-one support for every mum/birthing parent, delivered by a designated Information and Support Worker to ensure consistency and a personalised service.
2. Access to a secure online forum where they feel safe to ask questions, share their anxieties and access ‘peer to peer’ support from one another.
3. Bespoke advice and information about cancer in and around pregnancy, including links to local services and signposting to other organisations who can help.
4. Supporting families to make informed choices about their pregnancy care, their cancer treatment and providing information and guidance about returning to work.
- **Our Vision**
- 5. Cancer and Pregnancy Education and Training Programme for healthcare professionals, to expand on and compliment current training and curriculum provision.
6. Small Grants Programme to help families manage unexpected costs that arise after a cancer diagnosis. Every grant is reviewed and authorised by the Trustees and CEO.
7. Pre-bereavement and End-of-Life support for families, which continues to be available to them after their loved one dies.
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## **Public Benefit**
## **What is the public benefit need?**
Reduction in isolation and anxiety for mums and birthing parents diagnosed with cancer in or around pregnancy, who are enabled to make informed choices about treatment and pregnancy care and the preservation of their mental and physical health.
## **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,
·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 people diagnosed with cancer in or around their pregnancy.
## **What is the unfulfilled need?**
Anyone diagnosed with cancer in or around pregnancy, or who sadly experiences a baby loss due around their diagnosis, 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.
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## **Achievements & Performance**
## **Emotional, practical and financial support**
We've seen various changes in staff this year and everyone has worked hard to ensure a smooth transition for mums and parents to their new Support Worker. This was handled excellently and there has been minimal disruption for those receiving support.
Our Support Team comprises of three Information and Support Workers. Thanks to generous funding from grantgiving trusts, we were able to **increase the support hours** they provide this year, from 75 hours to 85 hours a week.
At the start of this year, we saw an increase in the number of mums saying they were worried about their family's finances. By March 2023 almost all our families were sharing **financial concerns** with their Support Worker, due to the financial implications of their cancer diagnosis and the rise in interest rates.
The Team feels that a lot of the emotional distress shared at this time has been a direct result of the cost-of-living crisis.
Our **online forums** continue to be a well-used resource, providing 'peer-to-peer' support in a safe space, especially for newly diagnosed mums and parents. The Team monitor the forum closely, but have stepped back from providing too much content in the hope that users would be encouraged to converse, ask questions, and support one 'peer-to User engagement has increased considerably since this decision was made.
We ran regular **'Ask the Expert'** sessions throughout the year and they continue to be valuable for our families. Recent topics include: Cancer and Exercise, Body Acceptance, and Understanding Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma. We held our first interactive online workshop, on Sex and Intimacy; this was not recorded so participants felt comfortable.
In depth work has been done to **improve our pre-bereavement and End of Life support** for families. This was rolled out towards the end of the year thanks to generous funding by grant giving trusts and we have already delivered an Ask the Expert session focusing on it.
_**"Thank you everyone at Mummy's Star, your support and the forum have helped me get through the toughest year of my life. When I got diagnosed I felt so, so alone and no-one really understood how robbed I felt of my first year with my first child. Seeing everyone else's stories has made me realise how I wasn't alone and us mums are so much stronger than anyone will ever realise. Your charity is AMAZING and helped me find my way."**_
_Mum, aged 32, diagnosed with lymphoma just after her baby was born_
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## **Cancer and Pregnancy Training & Education Programme**
_**To reach more women and birthing people who need access to our support, we need more healthcare professionals to know about the work we do. We also need them to understand how cancer in and around pregnancy may present itself and how it symptoms may be masked.**_
Our work with universities continued to expand this year, with 32 training sessions delivered at 27 different universities and healthcare settings, to a total of 3,285 healthcare professionals.
This was reflected in an increase of mums and parents who found out about us from their midwifery team or were directly referred to us by a healthcare professional.
This year also saw the highest number of universities requesting a return visit to deliver our training, to their new cohort of trainees. This ongoing relationship is essential to creating a sector-wide understanding of cancer and pregnancy, which will inevitably provide better outcomes for patients.
## **Facts about our Training & Education sessions:**
- 91% of attendees say they 'strongly agree' that they learned something new
- 94% of attendees say they 'strongly agree' or 'agree' that they feel more comfortable discussing cancer and pregnancy after the session
- 98% say they 'strongly agree' or 'agree' that they now know how to access our support for their patients
- 100% of attendees say they would recommend a session
- to other healthcare professionals
## **But it‘s not just about figures... what did the attendees say?**
_**"It was amazing and Pete was so passionate and informative. I now know the really simple but effective things I can do to advocate for the future women suffering from cancer I will care for when I become a qualified midwife."**_
_Trainee midwife, Chester University_
_**"Absolutely wonderful presentation, I was totally gripped. Today’s session with Pete has actually given me a specific interest in wanting to work with families experiencing the traumas associated with cancer in the perinatal period. Definitely one of my top learning experiences so far in my degree."**_
**"The ultimate goal remains that every University incorporates this vital training into their curriculum." Pete, Mummy's Star CEO and founder**
_Trainee midwife, Kings College London_
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## **Public and Professional Awareness**
**Raising awareness to both the public and healthcare professionals remains one of our main priorities and last year saw us engage in a wide range of promotional activities.**
From podcasts to radio shows, tv interviews to Instagram lives; no stone was left unturned this year and the cancer and pregnancy message reached further than ever before. Our CEO Pete was even invited to present at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Asia Pacific Congress Webinar on Cancer and Pregnancy, to an international audience of over 400 healthcare professionals.
We saw a notable increase in the number of women and birthing people being referred or selfreferring from the south of England and London. This is very encouraging as it shows our Training and Education Programme, and the various awareness campaigns we promote, are having a positive impact and raising our profile, allowing more people to access our support.
By early 2023, we were beginning to create online content that was relevant to the interests and needs of our two key audiences: the public and healthcare professionals. Through targeted social media campaigns and tailored newsletters we aimed to maximise our reach and improve engagement, both with our content and the work we do.
This has been very successful to date, but there is still a lot more we can learn, and we are really excited to see the benefits it will bring.
## **Cancer and Pregnancy Awareness Week 2022**
Cancer and Pregnancy Awareness Week in 2022 focused on three key themes:
_**See the Symptom Early Detection Explore thoroughly**_
We highlighted how pregnant and post-natal bodies can mask symptoms of cancer, so it is vital to see the symptom (not just the pregnancy!) and to explore its implications thoroughly, to enable earlier detection.
We encouraged women and birthing people to be body-aware and to share any concerns with a healthcare professional at the earliest opportunity. We encouraged healthcare teams to thoroughly explore symptoms in pursuit of an earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
This was the first year we ran a single campaign but targeted different content towards healthcare professionals and the public, across our separate social media platforms. This allowed us to deliver relevant information to each audience, ensuring it resonated and remained memorable for everyone.
_**Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped us raise awareness to more women, birthing parents and healthcare professionals across the UK.**_
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## **Story Sharing**
When people first hear about cancer in and around pregnancy, most are shocked and say they didn't realise it was even possible for both to occur together.
Sharing our mums‘ stories is the best way to help other people, including healthcare professionals, gain a better understanding of the emotional, financial and practical challenges that our families face.
Our mums and families are the most valuable ambassadors for the work we do and we hugely appreciate those who are willing to share their experience.
Real-life stories are shared across social media, on our website, in Training and Education sessions, and by various local and national media channels. They offer reassurance, to families and people in a similar situation, that they are not alone. They also enable us to extend our reach and help raise awareness across the whole of the UK and Ireland.
## **Media coverage**
Publicity and media coverage is key to raising awareness about cancer in and around pregnancy. Mums and families have shared their stories both locally and nationally to spread these vital messages and we are always touched by the response they receive.
Our Team supports anyone wanting to help raise awareness about Mummy's Star or cancer in and around pregnancy. We respond to all media enquiries and our CEO is often quoted in journals, articles, and requested to do radio interviews and podcasts on the subject of cancer and pregnancy.
In April 2022, we were delighted when three of our mums were invited to assist with the research for Julia Bradbury's documentary _Breast Cancer and Me_ . Knowing that their voices were heard and represented in such a high profile documentary is very encouraging.
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## **Monitoring Performance & Impact**
**We use a number of Key Performance Indicators to monitor and evaluate our performance and the impact support has on mums and birthing parents, their families, and healthcare professionals:**
Number of mums/birthing parents receiving advice and support
Number of mums/birthing parents actively using the Mummy’s Star forums
Number of new mums/birthing parents who contact Mummy's Star
Type of support mums/birthing parents are accessing and how beneficial they find it
Number of healthcare professionals who attended our Training and Education sessions
Number of grants distributed to families via the Small Grants Programme
Total amount of money issued to families via grants
## **We are grateful to all families who complete Evaluation Forms and give us feedback. This information is used to help shape future service provision.**
All of the above information is held on a secure database, as stipulated in our Data Protection Policy and ICO guidance and is managed in accordance with that policy and appropriate data legislation.
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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## **Supporter Impact**
**Mummy's Star is funded entirely by the generosity of our wonderful supporters and donors. We do not receive any statutory or NHS funding. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and helped us raise the most we ever have in one year: an incredible £257,913!**
We received **£53,011** from people taking part in **fundraising challenges and events** this year.
Supporters have run marathons all over the UK and Europe, cycled, swam, hosted sweet stalls, fun days, cake sales and fashion shows to name but a few.
**Grant-giving trusts and foundations** continued to fund
various elements of our charitable activity throughout the year. In total they granted a fantastic **£128,668.** These grants have specifically paid for:
- increased provision of emotional support for mums/parents Cancer and Pregnancy Training and Education sessions for healthcare professionals across the UK
- Secure online forums for mums/parents to chat and provide each other with 'peer to peer' support in a safe space .
It is always humbling when families and individuals choose to support Mummy's Star as a thank you for the support they have received personally, or after a loved one has died.
This year, **£19,824 was donated in memory of loved ones** and a further **£34,653 was generously donated by individual supporters** who wanted to ensure our support continued for future families.
During a deepening cost of living crisis, this is truly remarkable and we are really grateful.
This year we have seen more **companies and community groups start fundraising again** after Covid-19.
We are very grateful to each one who chose to support Mummy's Star this year; whether through employees fundraising activities, corporate donations, community group events or donations from sales.
We are also very grateful to everyone who donates **gifts in kind** to help our families, these are much appreciated.
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## **Financial Review**
**The start of this financial year proved very difficult with a significant loss reported in Quarter 1 and considerable fluctuations in income month-to-month. There was a notable increase in income in Quarter 4 which meant the charity finished the year in a stronger position than expected and saw its largest annual income to date.**
## **Expenditure summary 2022-2023**
Expenditure has also fluctuated throughout the year, with staff changes resulting in short periods of paying additional salaries during handover periods. This overlap however ensured a smooth transition for our families and minimised disruption in support provision.
Trustees made a change to the Small Grants Programme and reduced the maximum amount of a grant from £500 to £250 per family. This decision was not taken lightly, but responded to an increase in the number of grant applications being received whilst the charity was experiencing a drop in income. It was agreed that, to ensure long-term sustainability, the grant amount must be reduced.
Funds continue to be spent in line with the charity's objectives and used effectively to provide the different elements of support offered to families.
## **Income summary 2022-2023**
The charity continues to focus on attracting income from a diverse range of income sources, to ensure sustainability and that it is not reliant on any one source of income.
This period highlighted the potentially long timeframe between work carried out to generate income and that income being secured. The sudden increase in income in Quarter 4 was a direct result of efforts made at the end of Quarter 2 and start of Quarter 3.
Income continues to come from grant-giving trusts, individuals, corporates and community groups as well as being generated through charity-led fundraising activities.
## **Breakdown of income by reason/source 2022-2023**
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## **Looking forward to 2023-2024**
While we continue to deal with the long-term financial impact of the pandemic, specifically in terms of available funds from grant-giving trusts and corporate support, the cost-of-living crisis has deepened across the whole nation and is affecting us as a charity both in terms of increasing costs and reduced i and is
The Trustees discuss the potential impact of the financial situation at every Board meeting and carry out a regular risk analysis of the charity's financial position. They are prepared for considerable fluctuations in income each month and are focusing on maintaining a consistent expenditure, in line with the budget, throughout the year.
However, the Trustees and Team feel confident that with a robust Fundraising Plan in place and such a dedicated and loyal groups of supporters, the charity will continue to grow and the support provided to mums/birthing parents will not be affected.
## **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 be able to access support as they go through treatment, which typically lasts 4-6 months. This is reviewed regularly by Trustees.
## **General, Designated and Restricted Funds**
The General Fund holds contributions from donors who are happy for their money to be used wherever it is needed most. This is vital to allow us to be agile and respond to needs as they arise throughout the year.
Designated Funds are ringfenced to benefit a specific element of the work we carry out. These have helped us to secure an increased amount of income from grantgiving trusts and foundations, by reassuring them that their grant will directly benefit charitable activity with specific outcomes and benefits for mums, parents and families. They also give our Trustees a more accurate overview of our financial position, in relation to demand on services and our ability to deliver those services.
The charity has one Restricted Fund which holds income given specifically for redistributing to families in need, via our Small Grants Programme.
## **Trading**
The charity trades Mummy's Star branded items such as t-shirts, running vests, hooded tops for adults and children as well as pin badges and wristbands.
These items are sold via the shop on our website and some merchandise is given to fundraisers free of charge to increase brand awareness as they fundraise.
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## **Future Plans**
**The Board and Team regularly consider what is working well, what needs reviewing, and use feedback from families to help shape future plans and our support provision. Plans for the next 12 months include...**
**1. Expanding our support across the UK**
Mummy's Star currently supports around 20% of the individuals diagnosed with cancer in and around pregnancy across the UK each year. One of our main priorities is to increase this to around 30%, as we know that our support would be valuable to more people than we are currently reaching.
## **2. Expanding the types of support we offer**
We will continue to expand the **financial support** we offer families as the need is so great. By building relationships with other organisations, we want to ensure financial strains aren't the biggest concerns families face during their cancer journey.
We also plan to launch a project to offer designated support to individuals wanting to **return to work** after treatment.
**Pre-bereavement and End of Life Support** has always been offered to families when the need arises. Thanks to two specific grants received this year, this area of support will be further developed and focus on a holistic approach for supporting the whole family, including: access to information about the practical preparations they can make together, emotional support for individuals, and memory making.
## **3. Improving our communications**
The charity recognises that it communicates with two distinct groups or audiences - families and healthcare teams. Each has differing needs and relationships with Mummy's Star.
Plans for 2023/2024 include developing our
Communications Strategy to incorporate both the distinct needs of each audience and to ensure the information we share is up-to-date, relevant, and accessible.
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## **4. Education and awareness**
2022-2023 was a pivotal year for expanding our bespoke Cancer and Pregnancy Training and Education Programme.
Next year the Team will focus on:
- broadening the number of professions / job roles that attend the training sessions ensuring universities rebook training for their next cohort of trainees and students developing a GP-specific training module to roll out across Primary Care creating online resources for healthcare professionals to access 24/7
Thanks to generous funding from grant-giving trusts, the Programme is fully funded for the next academic year so more sessions can be delivered at more institutions.
_**The ultimate goal is for cancer and pregnancy to be incorporated into the curriculum at all universities across the UK & Ireland, forming a mandatory part of NHS training for midwives, GPs and other relevant professions.**_
## **5. Partnerships**
Working together with other partners in the cancer sector is the key to achieving the best support we can for our families and the best progress for the sector as a whole. By collaborating we maximise opportunities for raising awareness and deliver a more holistic service.
As the cost-of-living crisis affects more people, our Support Team are working with other organisations to help our families access multiple potential sources of financial support. This will continue and no doubt grow next year, as more families face financial crisis.
## **6. Governance**
We have started the process of creating a Patient User Group to represent the different families we support and the differing circumstances they face. It was agreed that this process will continue and see members interacting with our Board to help inform future decision making and ensure we maintain family-centered care and support.
## **7. Financial sustainability**
We will continue to build new relationships and develop existing relationships with donors to maintain a diverse range of income streams and ensure long-term sustainability. The current mix of where money comes from is considered realistic and well balanced. We will aim to follow previous trends through 2023/2024.
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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 naturally or medically); or**
**receives a diagnosis of cancer at any time postnatally up to the youngest child turning 12 months old; or**
**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 Company Board and Company Directors, drawn from a variety of sectors, 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 for a 3 year term in office.
## **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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## **board Mummy’s Star**
**Serving 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023**
> **Gillian Smith** Chair/Trustee appointed Apr 2018 resigned (Chair) Dec 2022
> **Peter Wallroth** CEO/Trustee appointed May 2013
> **Jacquelyn Sheldon** Secretary/Trustee appointed May 2018
> **Thomas Groom** Treasurer/Trustee appointed Dec 2018
> **David Wright** Trustee appointed Nov 2018 resigned Nov 2022
> **Cathy Wentworth** Trustee appointed Apr 2017 resigned Feb 2023
> **Salima Jones** Trustee appointed Mar 2022
> **Fiona Mann** Trustee appointed Mar 2021 resigned Feb 2023
> **Kathryn Nattress** Chair/ Trustee appointed Dec 2022
> **Barbara-Anne Nelson** Trustee appointed Dec 2022
## **Thank Sarah Flain you**
Thank you to the outgoing Trustees for their hard work and dedication to Mummy’s Star over the years. Cathy, David and Fiona brought a wealth of experience and different skills to the Board. They were instrumental in growing and shaping the charity. The Board and Team will always be grateful for their contribution to Mummy’s Star.
## **Mummy’s Star advisors**
**Dr Richard Simcock**
**David Wright**
Oncology
Young people’s cancer
> **Jude Jones** Midwifery
> **Dr Jenny Rattray** General Practice
Our advisors offer the Board and Mummy’s Star Team their professional expertise throughout the year. They provide an invaluable contribution to the successful running of the charity and are a much valued source of knowledge and guidence.
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## **Remembering Nicolette**
## _**Nicolette Peel MBE Former Mummy's Star Board Chair and Founding Trustee 1972-2023**_
It was with great sadness that we shared the news of Nicolette's death in January 2023. Along with our CEO Pete, Nicolette helped create Mummy’s Star in 2013, after her own experience being diagnosed postnatally with breast cancer.
She took her experience and helped turn it into something that would provide support, advocacy and education around cancer and pregnancy. Nicolette went on to retrain as a midwife and trailblazed in the maternity sector with her powerful message of informed choice for all women and birthing people who would receive a cancer diagnosis in and around pregnancy. Nicolette touched the lives of thousands of mums, parents, and their families and will be remembered for bringing so many tiny lives safely into this world.
It is difficult to put into words the impact Nicolette had, both at Mummy's Star and also in the wider conversation around cancer and pregnancy.
**It's not simply that Mummy's Star wouldn’t have become what it is today without her... it may never have existed at all!**
Hundreds of families have had access to support as they faced the challenges and tragedy of cancer in and around their pregnancy, because of Nicolette's courage, humility, and passion for helping others.
## **Nicolette leaves a legacy of the most far reaching kind. For that we will always treasure her influence as a midwife, colleague, trustee, founder and friend.**
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## **Collaboration and Partner Organisations**
**Collaboration and partnership continues to sit at the core of what we do. Cancer and Pregnancy is a 'specialism within a specialism' and only through working together can our sector truly provide holistic support and care for those facing it.**
The conversation around Cancer and Pregnancy that exists today only does so because of the hard work and determination of organisations like Mummy's Star. We work tirelessly to ensure that **our families are considered and represented** by the wider cancer sector.
This year saw the emergence of some great work with the team at **GatewayC,** who produced a _'Cancer Conversations'_ episode on the subject, featuring some of the most experienced clinicians and GPs in this area, as well as our CEO. There is more collaboration in the pipeline for 2023/24.
**Research interest** in cancer and pregnancy continues to grow. Our ongoing work with the **University of Surrey** saw the first piece of research, exploring the lack of emotional support available to women and birthing people diagnosed with cancer in pregnancy, published by the BMJ (British Medical Journal) early in 2023.
This is the first of a number of pieces we hope to see published, and we expect them to raise awareness amongst healthcare professionals and increase the reach of the support we can offer their patients.
We are broadening the understanding of how cancer can impact the whole family, across different sectors; including sport, finance and construction. This work takes the form of informal visits and talks in workplaces, often focusing on maledominated environments (for example: Oldham Athletic Football Club) and explores the mental health implications of a loved one being diagnosed with cancer and the impact this has on partners and family members.
We are also a partner in a study with the The National Oncology Trainees Collaborative for Healthcare Research (NOTCH), **mapping incidence rates of cancer and pregnancy** in the UK for the first time.
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## **Reference & Charity Administrative Details**
**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 Responsibilities Statement**
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 10 October 2023 and signed on its behalf.
Peter Wallroth Director
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## **Independent Examiner's Report to the Board of Mummy’s Star**
I report on the unaudited accounts of Mummy's Star for the year ended 31 March 2023 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.
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 2023**
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 2023**
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 2023 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 10 October 2023
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## **Notes to the Accounts**
## **for the year ended 31st March 2023**
## **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.
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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.
## **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 £43,100.03 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**
## **14. Analysis of charitable funds**
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## **Funds**
**Type of funds Description and nature of the fund** General Funds The 'free reserves' after allowing for all designated funds. Designated Funds Funds given and ringfenced for operational continuity and specific charitable activities. Restricted Funds Funds given and restricted for a specific use as outlined by the donor.
## **We have six named funds, as follows:**
**1. Small Grants Programme** - 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** - supports a wind-down of the charity should that ever be required.
**3 . Training and Education** - supports midwives and healthcare professionals accessing appropriate training and education on cancer in and around pregnancy.
**4. Information and Support Appeal** - funded an additional Information and Support Worker between April 2021-2023 to expand support available for women and birthing people diagnosed with cancer in and around pregnancy. The fund continues, beyond the initial appeal, to enable our support provision to grow.
- **5. Bereavement and memory making** enables families to make memories together when mum/birthing parent is at end of life, and supports the family through subsequent bereavement.
**5. Emotional Support** - provides intensive, one-to-one emotional support for women and birthing parents diagnosed with cancer in and around pregnancy.
## **At the end of the year, charity funds totalled £175,984 of which £71,575 related to our named funds as follows:**
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**1. Small Grants Programme: £6,529** designated and set aside to cover small grant applications over the next twelve month and **£0** restricted.
**2. Operational Continuity: £50,000** of liquidity buffer to ensure operational continuity in a wind down scenario (roughly equal to six months of operating costs), carried forward from previous year, and **£0** restricted.
**3. Training and Education** : **£0** designated and **£0** restricted.
**4. Information and Support Appeal: £0** designated and **£0** restricted.
**5. Bereavement and memory making: £9,385** designated and **£5,047** restricted.
**6. Emotional Support: £0** designated and **£614** restricted.
All grants received from Trusts and Foundations are included in the figures above under Restricted Funds, unless the Trust specified the grant was unrestricted or for core costs.
The table below sets out how those 6 named 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**
**To all our supporters, funders, organisations, sector partners, donors and healthcare professionals who help provide personalised, one-to-one support to our families.**
**And to everyone helping us to raise awareness, spread the word and start conversations about cancer and pregnancy.**
**Most of all thank you to all our amazing mums, parents and families, for trusting us to take this difficult journey with you.**
**@mummysstar @mummys.star**
**mummysstar.org info@mummysstar.org**
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