Annual Report 2022 


# Research has the power to change lives 

**leukaemiauk.org.uk** 



## Our vision: To stop leukaemia devastating lives 

Our values: 

## We are collaborative 

We explore new possibilities, restless for progress. 

We bring people together, galvanising and inspiring them to change the future. 

## We are bold 

We push boundaries and go further than ever before 



## Contents 



**Foreword ...................................................................................................................................................4 About Leukaemia UK ..........................................................................................................................7 The life-changing power of research ...............................................................................................................8 Leukaemia – a forgotten cancer ......................................................................................................................8** Leukaemia in numbers ...........................................................................................................................................10 **Becoming Leukaemia UK ...............................................................................................................................11 Our strategy 2022-2027 ................................................................................................................................12 2022 in review ......................................................................................................................................15 Our achievements..........................................................................................................................................16 Spotlight on – the John Goldman Fellowship: Investing in the future of leukaemia research ..........................18 The year in detail ...........................................................................................................................................20** Putting everyone affected by leukaemia at the heart of what we do ..................................................................20 Investing in research to accelerate progress ........................................................................................................22 Building our profile, engagement and influence  ..................................................................................................28 Investing strategically to grow sustainable net income .......................................................................................29 Making Leukaemia UK a great charity to work for and with ................................................................................34 Our passionate team .........................................................................................................................................34 Our finances  ......................................................................................................................................................38 Ethics .................................................................................................................................................................40 Our risks .............................................................................................................................................................42 **Our plans for 2023 ......................................................................................... 44 Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities ......................................................... 46 Accounts 2022 .....................................................................................................................................48 Independent Auditor’s report .........................................................................................................................50 Statement of financial activities ....................................................................................................................53 Balance sheet  ...............................................................................................................................................54 Statement of cash flows ................................................................................................................................55 Notes to the financial statements ..................................................................................................................56 References  ....................................................................................................................................................70 Thank yous ....................................................................................................................................................71 Legal and administrative details ....................................................................................................................72** 




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Foreword<br>A landmark year for<br>leukaemia research<br>Foreword from Fiona Hazell, Chief Executive<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


2022 was a landmark year for Leukaemia UK, with the launch of our ambitious new strategy, a bold new brand and a number of key breakthroughs that will help stop leukaemia devastating lives. 


Thanks to previous investment in world-class research, last year saw 30 new research publications – each one building our understanding of blood cancer and taking us a step closer towards saving and improving more lives. 

Thanks to our incredible supporters we have been able to increase our funding of research, advocacy and awareness in 2022 to £1.9m, our highest charitable spend to date. This includes awarding four new John Goldman Fellowships and our first John Goldman Follow-up Fund Award. As part of our aim to invest in the future leaders in leukaemia research and specifically aimed at previous John Goldman Fellows, this award enables a recipient to take their research ideas another step further, advancing both their careers as well as vital progress in leukaemia diagnosis, treatment and care. 

This year research funded by Leukaemia UK provided the Proof of Principle evidence for a new clinical trial. Discoveries made by Dr Kostas Tzelepis, a 2020 John Goldman Fellow, into potential leukaemia treatments formed the basis for the development of a clinical trial in the USA. With the first patient recruited in November 2022, it seeks to recruit 40-60 patients with solid tumours throughout 2023 and has the potential to unlock new treatment options for AML. With just 15% of those diagnosed surviving longer than five years, this cannot come soon enough, and we will be keeping close tabs on the trial as it progresses. At a time of unprecedented financial hardship for some leukaemia patients, we are also proud to have been able to put £47,000 into a ‘cost-of-living with leukaemia fund’, offering support for families in financial hardship following a diagnosis. 

With the effects of the pandemic still keenly felt and the emergence of a cost-of-living crisis, 2022 was another challenging year economically. Despite this, thanks to our bold and dedicated supporters, we were able to grow our fundraised income by an impressive 40%. wIn addition, we were fortunate to receive a grant for our early careers research from BEIS, boosting our total income to £2.9m. This enabled us to invest more than ever before into our research, awareness and advocacy. 

From running to baking, Zumba to skydiving, our fundraisers continue to amaze us, and we are so grateful for all they have raised this year. After being cancelled by lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, our flagship Who’s Cooking Dinner event wasn’t without a hiccup this year, with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s funeral forcing a last-minute date change. The team and our supporters were undeterred and managed to make the event happen just a few weeks later, quickly securing a host of new chefs and raising over £260,000. 

It is only through investment in world-class research, increasing awareness of leukaemia, and advocating on behalf of those affected that we will be able to accelerate the progress needed to save and improve more lives. And this is only possible with the help of our supporters, whose generosity and belief in our cause mean that we can find better ways to diagnose, treat and care for those affected by leukaemia. 

## **From all the team at Leukaemia UK, thank you!** 


**Fiona Hazell** , Chief Executive 

**4     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Foreword** 




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Foreword<br>A bold new direction to<br>accelerate progress in<br>diagnosis, treatment and care<br>Foreword from Ian McCafferty CBE, Chair<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


As I take over as Chair of Leukaemia UK in January 2023, I couldn’t be prouder of our achievements over the past year and beyond. 

Through the efforts of our staff, volunteers, supporters, researchers and the leukaemia community as a whole, the difference our ‘small and mighty’ charity has made in accelerating progress through research into this devastating disease will be life-changing for so many people. 


As I take up this role, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has enabled us to get to where we are today, including the three trustees who have stepped down this year – Jonathan Neal, Professor David Lynch and Oliver Sparks. We thank you for your time, expertise, hard work and passion for the cause. In particular I would like to thank Chris Corbin OBE, who as Chair since 2013 has helped steer the organisation through a period of change which has seen it go from strength to strength, and who has been fundamental in shaping the incredibly impressive Leukaemia UK I take over from him in 2023. 

Finally, as a Board, we have sought to evaluate and evolve our skills and experiences to ensure we can support the charity under its new strategy. As a result, I have had the pleasure of welcoming five new Trustees to the Board at the end of 2022 – Ellen Broomé, Professor Alejandro Madrigal, Jo Reynolds, Karen Cracknell and Miriam Jordan Keane. All bring a diverse set of skills and connection to the cause as we continue to put all those affected at the heart of all we do. 

despite this, awareness of the disease and its signs and symptoms remains low, and survival rates lag behind many common cancers – blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer, but the third biggest killer. 

As someone whose life has been personally touched by blood cancer, I was motivated to join Leukaemia UK to change this by supporting the charity’s vital work investing in pioneering research, advocating for progress and improving awareness of the disease. In particular I am looking forward to continuing the progress made over 2022 in awareness and advocacy. In 2023 we will be building on the success of our 2022 Spot Leukaemia campaign, co-run with Leukaemia Care and with a little help from Henry the parrot, to help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease. We will also be continuing to build our Patient Experience Advisory Panel, to bring the voices of those who have experienced leukaemia to UK decision-makers, and to inform our insight into what matters most to those affected. 

We must never lose sight of who we are here for – the thousands of people every year newly diagnosed, living with leukaemia, or who have lost their own life or that of a loved one. We are determined to focus on the research that will make the biggest difference to those affected by the disease, and raise as much money as we can to accelerate progress. 

**Together we can stop leukaemia devastating lives.** 

Leukaemia affects 10,000 families every year. That’s families up and down the country having their lives turned upside down because of a diagnosis. Yet 

**Ian McCafferty CBE,** Chair 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Foreword     5** 




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6     Leukaemia UK   Annual Report 2022   About Leukaemia UK<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>





About Leukaemia UK 


**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **About Leukaemia UK     7** 



## The life-changing power of research 

We are Leukaemia UK. We believe research has the power to stop leukaemia devastating lives. 

Despite decades of progress, only half of leukaemia patients live longer than five years after their diagnosis. We won’t stop until we change this. 

By understanding what matters most to people affected by leukaemia, we will accelerate progress by funding ground-breaking research that has the potential to revolutionise the diagnosis, treatment and care of this devastating disease. 


## Leukaemia – a forgotten cancer 

Blood cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in the UK and the third biggest cause of cancer deaths. Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer. 

Because of its wide-ranging symptoms, leukaemia is one of the hardest cancers to spot, and is often discovered too late. It has one of the lowest survival rates of blood cancers, and sadly almost 5,000 lives are lost to leukaemia each year in the UK. 

Devastatingly, it is the most common type of childhood cancer, accounting for around a third of all cancers in the under 15s. 

For those who receive a leukaemia diagnosis, the often-gruelling treatment takes over not only their lives, but also the lives of those closest to them, and has a profound impact on anyone going through it. 

**8     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **About Leukaemia UK** 



## In memory of Ash Firth 


Rebecca and her Mum, Jo, have been raising money for Leukaemia UK since Rebecca’s father passed away four years ago. Amazingly, they have now raised over £12,000 to help accelerate progress in diagnosis, treatment and care for those with leukaemia. It is their hope that through their efforts, they can help raise awareness of leukaemia and its symptoms and prevent other families from suffering the loss that they have. 

When Ash Firth collapsed at home on the morning of January 26th 2018, he had no idea he was suffering from leukaemia. Tragically it was too late to give him any treatment and Ash, who was 72, died later that day in hospital. He had suffered a massive bleed on the brain as a result of undiagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). 

_“We had never really heard of or thought much about leukaemia before,”_ said daughter Rebecca, age 48, from Pudsey near Leeds. _“We had no idea it was AML until the A&E doctors told us. It was quite advanced. The doctors said his blood results were off the chart, and he must’ve been very strong._ 

_“Looking back over Christmas, Dad had been very tired and he’d looked grey. We had a lovely Christmas together but he was sleeping a lot. We put it down to him being worn out from work. He and my Mum ran a lacemaking and needlecraft supply business and they’d gone flat out before Christmas doing lots of shows and events. Their aim was to give it one last big push then retire the following year. Then two weeks before he died he got a really sore throat. The doctor didn’t like the look of it and referred him to a consultant but he died before the appointment.”_ 

Since his death, Ash’s family have set about dedicating themselves to fundraising for Leukaemia UK, in the hopes the charity will fund research that will discover more effective and kind treatments that will stop other families being devastated in the same way. They set up an ‘in memory’ page on Leukaemia UK’s website for Ash’s funeral. Since then their endeavours have including appealing for second hand lacemaking equipment and selling it to raise money for Leukaemia UK, raffles, and even a sponsored head shave by Ash’s sister Auntie Deb. So far the family have raised over £12,000. 


_“We also want to support Leukaemia UK’s campaigning work – particularly in terms of raising awareness about leukaemia symptoms,”_ said Rebecca. _“I think my Dad felt ill for a while and he was stubborn and wouldn’t go to the doctor. I would urge people to just listen to your own body and you know if something isn’t right and go get it checked out. Don’t struggle through. Between us we lost our husband, soulmate, Dad, business partner and best friend. Life will never be the same again. You learn to live with the loss, you never get over it.”_ 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **About Leukaemia UK     9** 



## Leukaemia in numbers 

- 27 people diagnosed with leukaemia each day in the UK (almost 10,000 every year) 

- 50,000 people in the UK are currently living with leukaemia 

- Nearly 5,000 lives are lost as a result of leukaemia in the UK every year 



- Leukaemia accounts for 31% of all cancers in the under 15s 



(the most common childhood cancer) 

- Over 530 children are diagnosed with leukaemia every year in the UK 


- 56% of British adults can’t recognise the common signs of leukaemia 

- 37% of all leukaemia cases are diagnosed in emergency settings 


      - 38% of leukaemia cases occur in the over 75s 

      - Overall five year survival for leukaemia stands at just over 53% 

   - 45% of people diagnosed in this way, live less than a year after diagnosis 

- Highest emergency presentation rate for any cancer type is acute lymphoblastic leukaemia - 66% 

**10     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **About Leukaemia UK** 



## Becoming Leukaemia UK 

In 1977, after his wife Isobel was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, charity pioneer Derek Mitchell founded the Elimination of Leukaemia Fund, later known as Leukaemia UK. It had one mission: to advance progress in leukaemia research and care for all who receive a leukaemia diagnosis. 

Five years later, in 1982, the charity Leuka was founded by Lester Cazin, a leukaemia patient at Hammersmith Hospital, to raise funds to support research. 

These two charities would grow and in 2019 combined to become a greater force for change for those whose lives are impacted by a leukaemia diagnosis – becoming the Leukaemia UK you know today. 

In the UK, the survival rate for cancer overall has doubled over the last 40 years. This is testament 

to the amazing work of researchers, patients and medical professionals up and down the country, with research breakthroughs bringing about advancements in diagnosis and treatment such as immunophenotype analysis, stem cell transplants and CAR T-cell therapy. 

Along the way significant milestones have been reached in leukaemia research and care, but there is still a long way to go. 

## Brogan Hough 

Running the London Marathon for Leukaemia UK was a fitting achievement for Brogan Hough – because she did it 20 years after she went into remission for leukaemia. Brogan, 28, who comes from South Yorkshire but now lives in London, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) when she was five years old. 

Brogan’s Mum had spotted lots of bruises on her in unusual places and noticed she was getting tired more quickly than usual. She booked her in for a standard check-up with her local GP, assuming she had some sort of mild iron or vitamin deficiency. 

“I remember everything about my cancer journey, from the way I felt emotionally and the tantrums I would have after bouts of chemo and steroids, to the pain in my back from weekly lumber punctures,” said Brogan. 

After agreeing to be part of a new treatment trial, Brogan was given two intense blocks of chemotherapy in hospital with longer term chemo across a two year period. There were daily hospital visits and she spent a lot of time in the hospital school room listening to stories. 

_“My mum and dad used to refer to our regular family hospital stays as our ‘adventures’ but I know not everyone is as lucky as me to have access to_ 

_the treatment and support I had, and that is why want Leukemia UK to continue their work,” said Brogan._ 

Although she went into remission shortly after the two year chemo plan, her family didn’t really feel the change until she had managed to maintain it for five years and was told she didn’t need to visit the hospital again for 12 months. The moment they got to book their first family holiday abroad was the moment Brogan’s parents really felt like they got their life back. 

Brogan started running in 2018 and couldn’t do more than 2km without having to catch her breath. She completed the London Marathon in 2022 in five hours, despite getting a stress fracture a few weeks before the big day, and has raised over £3,000 for Leukaemia UK. 

_“This disease devastates families as I know only too well, and the support and hope that Leukaemia UK’s work gives is so important. I want more children and families to have the happy ending that I have had.”_ 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **About Leukaemia UK     11** 



## Our Strategy 2022-2027 

> Vision: To stop leukaemia devastating lives 

> Mission: To accelerate progress through the life-changing 

## Values: Curious, collaborative, bold 

## Goal 1: Save more lives 

- [Harness the power of science to gain a better ] knowledge and understanding of leukaemia. 

- [Drive progress in awareness and diagnosis of ] leukaemia to improve survival. 

- [Fund innovative research to discover new, more ] effective life-saving treatments for leukaemia. 

- [Advocate that every leukaemia patient has ] access to the best available therapies. 

Goal 2: Improve more lives 

- [Accelerate the development of smarter, kinder ] therapies for leukaemia. 

- [Champion advancement in better treatment  ] and care for all. 

- [Transform standards of care and support by ] establishing ‘whole person’ care into mainstream practice. 

- [Fund patient-focused applied research to improve ] access to the best possible care and support those affected. 

Enabler 1: Enabler 2: Enabler 3: Enabler 4: Enabler 5: Put the needs of Invest in research Build our profile, Invest strategically Make Leukaemia everyone affected to accelerate engagement and to grow UK a great charity by leukaemia at progress in influence to grow our sustainable net to work for and with the heart of all we diagnosis, support and impact income do and advocate treatments for progress and care 

Following the merger of Leuka and Leukaemia UK in 2019, this strategy signalled a new dawn for Leukaemia UK and was accompanied by a bold new brand. Focussing on putting the needs of everyone affected by leukaemia at the heart of what we do, our five year strategy outlines Leukaemia UK’s ruthless determination to improve more lives through research, awareness and advocacy. 

With our supporters' help we want to double our investment in life-changing initiatives and research over the next five years. 

**12     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **About Leukaemia UK** 



## Accelerating progress through pioneering research 

What if we could accelerate the progress of research and transform the lives of people affected by leukaemia today and in the future? 

During his Leukaemia UK John Goldman Fellowship, Dr Kostas Tzelepis discovered something amazing. Investigating the METTL3 protein, and its role in how AML cells develop, Dr Tzelepis identified a new targeted drug with the potential to treat AML. 

Now, Dr Tzelepis and his colleagues at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and STORM Therapeutics, are continuing to develop the potential drug, STM2457, which can inhibit the action of METTL3. 

In November 2022, the first patient was given STC15 as part of the US-based trial. Between 40 and 60 patients with solid tumours are due to be enrolled into the trial, which will focus primarily on the drug’s safety. Data from this study will inform future clinical trials which may include studies in AML. 

Around 3,100 people each year are diagnosed with AML in the UK and current treatments continue to be incredibly harsh. Dr Tzelepis’ research brings hope that patients diagnosed with AML, and other cancers, will have more treatment options in the future. It shows how a bold idea from a curious researcher in the early stages of their career can translate into scientific advances and ultimately clinical practice in the future. 

We are building a research programme based on evidence, and our insight from patients and from the scientific and healthcare community. By uniting the experience and expertise of people who are living and working with leukaemia, we can focus on making changes to diagnosis, treatment and care that will bring about the biggest impact. 

## Putting people affected by leukaemia at the heart of all we do 

We listen to those who have received a leukaemia diagnosis and want to make sure that their experiences and opinions are being heard elsewhere too. By focussing on what matters most to those whose lives are impacted by leukaemia, we will do everything we can to make sure that the next person diagnosed has a better experience than the last. 

In 2022 we established a Patient Experience Advisory Panel, to bring the voices of those who have been through leukaemia to UK decision-makers and to strengthen our insight into what matters most to those affected. 

We will work with the Government and other stakeholders to effect policies that directly impact the leukaemia community, making sure that the needs and concerns of blood cancer patients and their families are heard and prioritised. We will advocate that every leukaemia patient has access to the best available therapies. 

Helped by those who have lived experience of leukaemia, we can directly influence the leukaemia research being funded and prioritised and transform the entire patient journey from diagnosis to treatment and care. 

## Increasing awareness to improve survival 

By raising awareness, we will drive progress in early detection and diagnosis of leukaemia, a vital tool to improve survival rates. 

We know that more needs to be done to improve early diagnosis of leukaemia, helping people to receive the treatment and care they need as soon as possible. That’s why we are working with other blood cancer charities to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of leukaemia. 

This includes collaborative campaigns and support for Government initiatives to raise awareness, as well as exploring the best avenues to improve early diagnosis. This will include further policy research and informed campaigns so that, with research to guide us, we can transform the way we diagnose, treat and care for people affected by leukaemia across the UK. 

In 2022 with our first major campaign, we joined forces with Leukaemia Care for Spot Leukaemia, to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease. This provided a strong foundation that we will continue to build upon, educating both members of the public and the medical community to lead to life-saving earlier diagnoses. 

Dr Pramila Krishnamurthy, a Leukaemia UK John Goldman Fellow, speaking on the importance of increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms of leukaemia, says: 


_“When patients come to hospital with AML, they have often had subtle symptoms that they have put down to other things – for example tiredness from taking on too much at work, or shortness of breath that they thought could be due to a viral infection or just a lack of fitness. Late diagnosis can lead to much greater complications and a risk of death, so making sure the public is aware of this condition is really vital.”_ 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **About Leukaemia UK     13** 



**14     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review** 





## 2022 in review 


**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review     15** 




We increased our charitable funding to £1.9m worth of research, advocacy 









## We funded 

## four innovative new research projects 

from exceptional early career scientists through our flagship John Goldman Fellowships 

We awarded funding to Professor David Vetrie at the University of Glasgow for a ground-breaking research project 

looking at how to stop chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) coming back after treatment 

Despite the emerging cost of living crisis, we increased our fundraised income by 40% 

We put £47,000 into the Cost-of-Living with leukaemia fund 

offering support for families in financial hardship following a diagnosis 



## **Spotlight on – the John Goldman Fellowship:** 

## Investing in the future of leukaemia research 

Leukaemia UK’s John Goldman Fellowship programme is our flagship funding stream, created in honour of Professor John Goldman (1938 – 2013). Professor Goldman was a renowned haematologist and pioneer in the treatment of leukaemia. His joy in scientific discovery served as an inspiration to future generations and he mentored scores of scientists and clinicians during his distinguished career. 


At Leukaemia UK we endorse **Professor Goldman’s** ethos - that progress only comes through innovation and new ideas. So we have created a funding programme specifically aimed at supporting the very brightest junior researchers in the UK, giving them the space to think outside the box when it comes to developing new treatments for leukaemia. 

Each year we award our prestigious fellowships to early career researchers working in UK universities, research 

institutions and hospitals. All our Fellows have a desire to make advances in our knowledge of leukaemia and turn scientific advances into clinical practice. Each award is a maximum of £150,000 and all must demonstrate to a prestigious panel that they are the potential scientific or clinical leaders of the future. 

To date we have funded 36 John Goldman Fellows across the UK, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in blood cancer research. 

**18     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review** 



## Detecting blood cancer at the earliest opportunity 

Leukaemia UK John Goldman Fellow **Dr Kristina Kirschner** , and a team of researchers based at the University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh and the Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, identified a set of genetic mutations that could help detect leukaemia in older people. 

The research, published in the prestigious medical journal Nature Medicine in July 2022, explored changes to blood stem cells over a 12 year period in a group of adults aged 70 and over. These cells can sometimes carry mutations that cause blood cancer. If lots of these cells with mutations develop, the risk of cancer grows. The chances of these groups of mutated cells developing into cancer increases with age. 


Exploring the mutations in more detail meant the researchers could better identify gene changes that were likely to go on to cause diseases such as leukaemia. If we know people have these mutations, they can be more closely monitored to diagnose and treat disease earlier. 

## A stepping stone to improving survival from AML 

In June 2022, a scientific paper published in Science Translational Medicine announced a breakthrough by Leukaemia UK John Goldman Fellow, **Dr William Grey** , that could lead to a vital new treatment option for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). 


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Dr William Grey said:<br>“We hope that this work will open<br>new avenues of investigation into<br>the protein dynamics of stem cells,<br>and give us a better understanding<br>of how stem cells work in our<br>bodies and how they go wrong<br>during disease. In doing so we hope<br>that we can reveal new and more<br>effective treatment targets that<br>haven’t yet been discovered during<br>the genetic revolution that has been<br>ongoing for the past two decades.”<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Dr Grey, now based at the University of York, and his research team, discovered that they could target leukaemic stem cells over healthy stem cells by blocking the action of a protein called CKS1. This makes it an excellent treatment target. 

The aim of Dr Grey’s work was to find ways to treat AML patients with the worst overall prognosis. This is a patient group who would usually have less than a 1 in 5 chance of surviving up to five years from initial diagnosis. Interestingly, Dr Grey’s findings suggest that by reducing the side effects of traditional chemotherapy, there may be an opportunity to bring back elderly and clinically unfit patients into a selection criteria for intensive therapy. The team are now exploring the possibility of initiating a clinical trial to progress the work further. 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review     19** 




## The year in detail 

Earlier in 2022 we submitted responses to the Government’s consultation on its 10-Year Cancer Plan. We were involved in three separate submissions through coalitions One Cancer Voice (OCV), Cancer 52 and the Blood Cancer Alliance (BCA). To further inform development of the plan, we attended meetings with officials in the Department of Health and Social Care along with a selection of like-minded charities. The meetings provided the opportunity to reinforce some of the main messages in our written responses. 

Putting everyone affected by leukaemia at the heart of what we do 

## Bringing the patient voice to decision makers 

In 2022, we developed the Leukaemia UK Patient Experience Advisory Panel (PEAP), inviting people with lived experience of the impact of leukaemia and related disorders to engage with us and share their reality and learning. We currently have 11 members of our PEAP, who take part in six-monthly meetings, and we thank them for their contribution during 2022. We can now bring the patient voice to UK decisionmakers and strengthen our insight into what matters most to those affected. 

2022 was a tumultuous year in politics, and the cost-of-living crisis also caused concerns for many. In collaboration with Leukaemia Care we wrote to the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, prior to his Autumn Statement, highlighting evidence on the hidden costs of leukaemia and the importance of using the budget to a) increase benefits in line with inflation and b) increase investment in health and care services alongside investment in and budgeting for a health and care workforce that is able to meet demand. 

## Advocating in collaboration to improve patients’ experience 

With over 100 other organisations we also co-signed and promoted a letter to the Chancellor calling for a timeline for a promised ‘workforce strategy’ to be published, including numbers of how many staff will be needed to keep pace with demand. The Chancellor committed to raising Benefits in line with inflation and publishing a comprehensive workforce plan in 2023, including independently verified forecasts for the number of doctors, nurses and other professionals that will be needed in five, 10 and 15 years time. 

Leukaemia UK has an important policy and advocacy function, predominately to monitor the health policy environment and act as a patient advocate to ensure leukaemia and other blood cancer patients receive accurate and prompt diagnosis, followed by the best available treatments and care. Through our policy and advocacy work we are committed to demanding the very best for those affected by leukaemia and related conditions – no matter who or where they are in the UK. Our ultimate aim is to ensure that the next person diagnosed with leukaemia, or a related disorder, has a better experience than the last. 

## **Blood Cancer Alliance** 

Leukaemia UK is a member of the Blood Cancer Alliance (BCA), which comprises 15 UK blood cancer charities, whose activities and secretariat (Atticus Partners) are funded by donations from pharmaceutical companies. The remit of the Alliance is to come together to tackle the key issues faced by patients to improve the experience and outcomes of all those living with blood cancer in the UK. 

We are committed to placing the needs of everyone affected by leukaemia at the heart of everything we do. Patient experiences and opinions guide us in all our activities. Key to achieving our aims is listening to patients and their families, to identify and fully understand the needs and challenges of those who have received a leukaemia diagnosis and the journey thereafter. In 2022 our policy and advocacy work included collaborative campaigns and support for Government initiatives to raise awareness, as well as exploring what the best avenues can be to improve leukaemia awareness and early diagnosis. 

COVID-19 continued to be a concern for blood cancer patients and the BCA published a consensus statement on the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions without a plan for the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable. Evidence gathering continued to highlight challenges with vulnerable people being able to access COVID-19 treatments, such as Evusheld. UK regulators approved the drug last year, but the Government appeared to be lagging behind other countries when it came to distributing the treatment effectively. 

Our relationship with NHS England (NHSE) and other charities continued to be strengthened in 2022. Following an alert from contacts at NHSE, we co-signed an NHSE public letter emphasising the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for people with a weakened immune system and encouraging anyone in this group due a vaccine to make an appointment to get vaccinated. 

In February 2022, the Government launched a call for evidence to inform its 10-Year Cancer Plan in England. We worked in coalition on three different responses 

**20     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review** 



to the call for evidence. We ensured Leukaemia UK policy priorities featured strongly in all three responses – particularly our key aims of improving awareness, early diagnosis, access to treatment, and research. 

In April 2022, the Scottish Government opened a consultation to inform its Cancer Strategy. The consultation intended to highlight key areas for action related to cancer management, care, and prevention in Scotland. Leukaemia UK worked with the Blood Cancer Alliance and submitted a response. 

## **One Cancer Voice** 

Leukaemia UK is a member of One Cancer Voice, a charity coalition of over 50 cancer charities which aims to improve the lives of all cancer patients by highlighting issues related to cancer treatment, care, and support. The coalition acts through two groups, a Steering Group and an Action Group, to facilitate all collaborative activities, and we remain actively involved. During 2022 we contributed to the response for the Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan. 

## **Cancer 52** 

Cancer 52 is an alliance of over 100 organisations working to provide a common voice to address inequality and improve outcomes for patients with rare or less common cancers. Leukaemia UK became a member of the alliance in 2022. 

## In memory of Henry Brett 

_“Henry went through so much in his short life, but he never acted like he was sick. He always had a cheeky look on his face. In hospital, he’d run up and down the ward in his little walker and give himself a little clap when he took his medication. He was just a ‘loving life’ kind of toddler.”_ 

In December 2020, Callan Brett was excited to bring her son Henry home from hospital for Christmas. At just 14 months old, Henry had already been battling acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) for almost half of his life, enduring numerous rounds of chemotherapy and spending many months in hospital. Henry was delighted to be home, running around and playing and being as cheeky as usual. 

Tragically, Henry then went on to suffer infection after infection whilst in remission. In May 2021, whilst the country was in lockdown, Henry passed away. 

_“What my husband, James, and I want now is for children like Henry to not just survive their cancer treatment but to be less ill when in remission. And of course, for them to pull through so that their families can stay together. But this will not happen without the research breakthroughs that Leukaemia UK-funded scientists are striving for in labs up and down the country._ 

## **Spot Leukaemia** 

We continued our collaboration with Leukaemia Care on the Spot Leukaemia campaign which ran during Blood Cancer Awareness Month (September) to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of leukaemia. Our approach was dual focussed, with both policy and public communications strands. 

In 2022 the Spot campaign had a strong policy element predominately aimed at addressing the challenges surrounding diagnostic blood tests in primary care. As part of this work, we published two policy reports which were circulated to a wide range of stakeholders including MPs, Royal Colleges, and NHSE leaders. We also held a policy roundtable to discuss the evidence and recommendations covered in our reports. Attendees included a patient representative from Leukaemia UK’s PEAP (who opened the roundtable with a presentation on her experience of diagnosis), relevant healthcare professionals, multiple MPs and devolved nations equivalents, high profile stakeholders from the NHS, and representatives from other charities, royal colleges, and societies. 


_I firmly believe that something good must come from Henry’s death. We cannot have lost him for no reason, and we cannot stand by knowing that more research and better care could spare another family from his type of heartbreak.”_ 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review     21** 



## Investing in research to accelerate progress 

Leukaemia UK’s five-year strategy demonstrates our ambition to go further than ever before to stop leukaemia devastating lives. Bold, curious and collaborative are values exemplified by our commitment to funding only the very best innovative research projects and exceptional researchers. We know that research holds the key and will provide the best opportunity to accelerate the discovery of more effective and kinder treatments for leukaemia and related disorders. The research that Leukaemia UK funds can ultimately save and improve more lives. 

Who and what we fund is the result of collaborative effort. We optimise the use of our limited funds, thanks to help from the dedicated members of our Scientific and Medical Panel who take part in assessing all funding applications through Leukaemia UK’s transparent and robust peer review process. Curiosity and boldness are key factors when selecting what projects are approved for funding. Projects must demonstrate they have potential to uncover previously unknown facts, to expand our understanding of the disease, and to provide previously elusive answers. Whilst achievability is important, the bolder the ambition, the better! 

In recent years Leukaemia UK has championed the importance of funding early careers researchers, with our flagship John Goldman Fellowships, MRC joint-funded Clinical Training Research Fellowships, and International Scholarships in collaboration with the European School of Haematology. Our rationale was twofold – the continuation of John Goldman’s ethos that young minds frequently have the brightest innovative ideas, and the knowledge that investing in young talent today will safeguard the innovations of the future and the new professors that will discover them. 

In 2022, we were delighted to expand our funding portfolio and offer our inaugural John Goldman Fellowship Follow-up Award, a project grant specifically for someone who has previously been awarded a Fellowship. The award enables a recipient to take their bold research ideas one step further to expand their curiosity, and to truly secure their future career. 

## Looking to the future: supporting early careers researchers 

Leukaemia UK became a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) in March 2016. The AMRC is a UK membership organisation of leading medical and health research charities and offers input from the AMRC itself and the opportunity to offer help to and also be supported by other member charities. Leukaemia UK’s membership of the AMRC is an endorsement of the quality of our research funding. Our membership gives reassurance to donors that all funding requests are subject to a stringent and transparent review process. 

In 2021, the AMRC highlighted the availability of a £20 million fund offered by The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to be delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The fund was created in response to financial uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to support the lifesaving work of medical research charities by helping develop the skills and experience of early careers researchers (ECRs) working in health-related research. 

We thank the AMRC for coordinating the application process and their support. Leukaemia UK applied for a share of the UKRI £20 million fund and were delighted to receive £629,290 in February 2022. At Leukaemia UK we remain committed to supporting ECRs and the funding has provided security and certainty for our existing John Goldman Fellowship programme and the confidence to provide a John Goldman Fellowship Follow-up Fund. 

During 2022, Leukaemia UK funded 25 active research projects which comprised of 18 John Goldman Fellowships, four project grants and three Clinical Research Training Fellowships, jointly funded with the AMRC. In addition, we funded six International Scholarships in collaboration with the European School of Haematology. 

## Research impact and outputs 

It is only through investment in world class research, increasing awareness of leukaemia, and advocating on behalf of those affected, that we will be able to accelerate the progress needed to move the dial on these numbers. 

Leukaemia UK is very proud of its research funding portfolio and since 2015 has invested more than £7.6 million into research projects. Our portfolio is deliberately broad with regards blood cancerrelated research topics, and whilst early career researchers are important, we also fund senior established scientists. The ultimate impact for all our funded projects is to be instrumental in bringing about improved survival, more effective treatments and better quality of life for all those affected by leukaemia and related disorders. 

2022 was another successful year for Leukaemia UK’s funded research as indicated by the data collected through an annual submission in Researchfish, an online reporting system used by funders to collect information on the outcomes and impact of the research they fund. Quantifying research outputs and impact can be difficult, but one measure is the successful publication of research findings. Publication is an important means to communicate research results to the wider scientific community. Publication of a paper in a scientific journal is validation of the successful advancement in scientific knowledge. Papers are generally subjected to scrutiny by experts (peer-reviewed) before successful publication. 

**22     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review** 



Twenty-seven of our awardees, whose awards were made in 2017-2022, took part in the annual submission. The submission, which included several researchers whose funding has only recently started, reported 30 successful new publications in 2022. Combining the past two annual submissions, 75% of the researchers reported at least one publication, with a mean number of publications at almost four per researcher which could be attributed to their Leukaemia UK funding. 

Each of these 30 publications represents a new discovery and progress in our understanding of blood cancer, ultimately bringing us closer to finding the better, kinder treatments needed to improve outcomes. 

## The journey to professorship 

**Professor Vignir Helgason** was awarded a John Goldman Fellowship in 2015 for his research into chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Since then, he has shown continued contribution to the field of blood cancer research and in 2022, was awarded a professorship. 

Professor Helgason’s career progression showcases the significant impact a prestigious John Goldman Fellowship can have for an early career researcher, acting as a springboard to support the blood cancer research leaders of tomorrow. 

## Stephen Young 


_“The diagnosis was traumatic not just for me but also for my wife and our children,” said Stephen Young. “We have been on an emotional roller coaster ever since.”_ 

Stephen had been having unexplained symptoms for several weeks. These included nose bleeds, a rash on his face, mouth ulcers, shortness of breath and fatigue. After his symptoms worsened Stephen was taken to A&E and diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. 

_“After the initial shock and trauma of the diagnosis it was crystal clear to my wife and I that I had been displaying classic leukaemia symptoms for several weeks, but these had not been linked as being symptomatic of a bigger health issue."_ 

The disease was so advanced that he was told that he had just two weeks to live unless treatment started immediately. Within hours he was transferred to the Bexley Wing of St James Hospital, Leeds. 

_“The transfer took place at 2am in the morning on 2 July 2022. By 4 am the team had started my first round of chemo. It was touch and go whether I would pull through._ 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Professor Vignir Helgason said:<br>”Over the years, I’ve made<br>progress in my own academic<br>career and my research team<br>has also expanded. The John<br>Goldman Fellowship, amongst<br>other grants and awards, was an<br>integral part of the journey to get<br>to this point.”<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


_“Miraculously, I was discharged from hospital just five weeks later on 5 August in remission! I have now completed an additional three rounds of chemo as an outpatient – driving myself back and forth to hospital every day._ 

_“I cannot speak highly enough about the care and treatment I received– professional, empathetic, gentle, encouraging. It’s thanks to them that I am now in a position to be given a stem cell transplant and the hope of a cure._ 

_“I want to share my story so that others might learn from my experience and secure an early diagnosis. I want to urge people not to be discouraged by those who do not know what you are experiencing or have the ability to delay you getting a prompt medical assessment – blood tests are the only sure way of identifying leukaemia - do whatever it takes to make them happen for you.”_ 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review     23** 



## 2022 John Goldman Fellowships 

In 2022, we continued our investment and funding for early career scientists and clinicians seeking to advance our understanding of and ability to treat blood cancer. We awarded our prestigious John Goldman Fellowships to four outstanding researchers. 



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Dr Mirjana Efremova said:<br>“In this project, I will investigate how<br>cancer cells are reprogrammed into<br>potentially reversible drug resistant<br>states. A better understanding of the<br>intrinsic and extrinsic signals driving<br>resistant cell state transitions in<br>progression and relapse in different<br>B-cell lymphomas can guide novel<br>therapeutic strategies to impair<br>tumour progression and emergence<br>of resistance.”<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


**Dr Mirjana Efremova,** Queen Mary University of London **Can we stop B-cell lymphoma cells evading treatment?** 

Dr Mirjana Efremova is using specialised genomic technology to investigate ways to prevent treatment resistance in B-cell lymphoma to help direct future treatment strategies. B-cell lymphoma affects around 11,000 people every year in the UK. Although treatment options are available, resistance to these treatments – when treatment stops working - is common. 



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Dr Simon Richardson said:<br>“B-cell acute lymphoblastic<br>leukaemia (B-ALL) is the<br>commonest cancer in children,<br>and treatment outcomes in<br>adults remain very poor. During<br>my John Goldman Fellowship,<br>I will use recently developed<br>functional genomics and<br>computational techniques to<br>identify novel treatment options<br>for B-ALL patients and work out<br>how best to combine these to<br>reduce the incidence of relapse,<br>improve survival, and minimise<br>treatment-related toxicity.”<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


**Dr Simon Richardson,** University of Cambridge **In pursuit of new treatment combinations for B-ALL** 

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) is one of the most common cancers in children, but the disease can affect people of any age. Dr Simon Richardson will use a genomic screening technique to identify promising new B-ALL drug combinations to take forward to preclinical testing. The most immediate benefit will be in patients at highest risk, such as infants and older people unfit for current treatment. 

**24     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review** 









**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Dr Victor Llombart said:<br>“I hope that our results will<br>provide the basis to develop new<br>treatments for MYC-dependent<br>leukaemias in the future and<br>potentially for other cancers.”<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


**Dr Victor Llombart,** University College London **Let’s find the off switch for leukaemia** 

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) is a fast-growing type of leukaemia that can get worse quickly without treatment. It is the most common form of leukaemia in children. Dr Victor Llombart will focus his efforts on a key protein called MYC, a hot contender for cancer drug development research. The research hopes to lay the foundation for new T-ALL treatment. As MYC is involved in many different cancer types, the findings have potential to make ground-breaking steps forward for patients with blood cancer and beyond. 



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Dr Eman Khatib-Massalha said:<br>“The type of blood cancer I will<br>be researching during my John<br>Goldman Fellowship currently<br>has no consistently reliable<br>curative treatment. During my<br>Fellowship, I aim to develop and<br>test a promising target for MPN<br>immunotherapy that aims to<br>block specific signals on mutant<br>cells, restoring normal clearance<br>of these cells, preventing MPN<br>progression, and reducing<br>the risk of AML. I hope that<br>this could develop into a new<br>treatment option for patients<br>with this type of blood cancer in<br>the future.”<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **Dr Eman Khatib-Massalha,** University of Cambridge **The road to new immunotherapy for MPN patients. Defective clearance of innate immune neutrophils as a potential cause and therapeutic target in myeloproliferative neoplasms with high risk of leukaemic transformation** 

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a rare type of blood cancer which can develop into leukaemia. Each year, over 4000 people in the UK are diagnosed with MPNs. Bone marrow transplant is the only curative treatment for MPNs, but it is only recommended for a small number of patients due to severe side effects. Dr Eman KhatibMassalha is testing a promising new immunotherapy target that aims to treat MPNs and prevent the development of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). 

**Olive Boles Award -** Dr Khatib-Massalha was also chosen to receive the Olive Boles Innovation Award. This accolade combined with the John Goldman Fellowship is in recognition of an innovative higher-risk idea that could contribute significantly to our understanding of leukaemia and other blood cancers. 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review     25** 



## MRC joint-funded fellowships 

Leukaemia UK is committed to investing in the next generation of scientific and clinical researchers to ensure their developed into future scientific leaders. Whilst our John Goldman Fellowships are available to clinicians, they often wish to combine research with clinical duties and therefore our Fellowships are not always ideal. Over the past few years, we have collaborated with the Medical Research Council (MRC) to offer jointly-funded Clinical Research Training Fellowship (CRTF) awards. These prestigious awards are available to clinicallyactive medical doctors within the UK to enable them to undertake a higher research degree. 

In 2022, Leukaemia UK had three actively-funded MRC joint funded clinical fellows: Dr Asger Jakobsen (University of Oxford) - Molecular and cellular basis of clonal dominance in myeloid malignancy; Dr Sonia Wolf (Imperial College London) – Identification of early and later transformation events in adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma; and Dr Jennifer O’Sullivan (University of Oxford) – Unravelling signatures of clonal response, resistance and evolution of high-risk essential thrombocythemia at single-cell resolution. 

## Cost-of-Living with Leukaemia Fund 

At Leukaemia UK we are committed to putting people at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that the effects of a blood cancer diagnosis will go beyond physical health problems.We understand that worrying about money is the last thing people need when dealing with a diagnosis and treatment, or supporting a loved one through leukaemia. A leukaemia diagnosis can have a devastating effect on someone’s financial situation, on top of the emotional and physical challenges. 

In response to the cost-of-living crisis in the UK, Leukaemia UK is now collaborating with the charity Leukaemia Care to continue to offer financial support to leukaemia patients and their families. The Fund provides support for those living with leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and their families, . The aim of the Fund is to help make life more manageable. In 2022, Leukaemia UK provided £47,000 which would have supported more than 250 families. 

## European School of Haematology 

## International Scholarships 

We understand that conference attendance is an important part of a researcher’s career, providing the opportunity to keep up to date with the latest findings and to network in order to forge new collaborations. Attendance may also provide the opportunity to present one’s own research and discuss this with peers on a one-to-one basis. 

In 2022, Leukaemia UK provided scholarships for six junior, early careers researchers in collaboration with the European School of Haematology (ESH). Researchers 

**26     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review** 

came from all over the world to attend the 24th Annual John Goldman Conference on Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia in France, including from Malaysia, Germany, the the UK, The Netherlands, Brazil and Canada. 

## Project grant 

## **Professor David Vetrie** 

Institution: University of Glasgow 

## **Redefining what we know about leukaemic stem cells in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)** 

Project grants are the cornerstone of health research funding and have the potential to expand our understanding of leukaemia and related diseases and ultimately lead to the discovery and development of new treatments to improve outcomes for all those diagnosed. In 2022, Leukaemia UK was delighted to award a project grant to Professor David Vetrie at the University of Glasgow. 

Professor Vetrie’s research focuses on chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Although there are now very effective treatments for this type of leukaemia, these drugs don’t kill the faulty stem cells that cause the disease to come back if treatment is stopped. This research will investigate the different types of faulty stem cells to understand their influence on how well a patient responds to treatment and which types of faulty cell can cause the disease to come back. It’s hoped that this will help the researchers to identify new CML treatments in the future. 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Professor Vetrie said:<br>“Leukaemia stem cells trigger and<br>sustain chronic myeloid leukaemia<br>(CML). For many years, we believed<br>these cells were all similar, but we now<br>know they exist as a variety of types in<br>the bone marrow of every CML patient.<br>Our research will uncover which types are<br>critical for maintaining the disease and<br>determining how well a patient responds<br>to tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as<br>imatinib. This work could be a game-<br>changer for optimising patient care.”<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




## John Goldman Fellowship Follow-up Fund 

## **Dr Konstantinos Tzelepis** 

Institution: University of Cambridge 

## **Can exploiting AML’s weaknesses lead to new treatment?** 

In 2022, Leukaemia UK awarded its first John Goldman Fellowship Follow-up Fund award. The grant was awarded to Dr Konstantinos Tzelepis from the University of Cambridge. The Follow-up Fund is a commitment to continue our investment in those researchers who have previously been awarded a prestigious John Goldman Fellowship, who we consider to be the UK’s future research leaders in leukaemia and related disorders. We are delighted to offer Fellowship Follow-up Funding to enable our Fellows to develop their research groups and further establish their careers. 


Dr Tzelepis will embark on an exploration of a potential vulnerability of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) - a protein called CTU2, which is involved in making modifications to RNA (a vital molecule for many of the processes that happen inside cells). 

It’s predicted that CTU2 could play an important role in AML and this research aims to bring that to light. It’s hoped the study will improve understanding of the role of CTU2 in AML and therefore ultimately help develop new and improved treatments for the disease in the future. 

Dr Tzelepis’ previous research has shown strong proof of concept that proteins responsible for making changes to RNA can make good targets for cancer treatment. In November 2022, a drug that was found to block another RNA-modifying protein called METTL3 entered clinical trials in the US. Data from this study will inform future trials, which may include patients with AML. 

## Worldwide Cancer Research collaboration 

## **Professor Katrin Ottersbach** 

Institution: University of Edinburgh 

## **Identifying new treatments for infant leukaemia** 


Leukaemia UK and Worldwide Cancer Research (a charity which funds pioneering discovery research around the world) are co-funding a research project investigating infant leukaemia, led by Professor Katrin Ottersbach at the University of Edinburgh. Leukaemia UK will contribute 50% of the total grant. 

The research aims to better understand how two genes – SGMS1 and ELOVL1 – are involved in the development of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a type of leukaemia that affects around 800 people in the UK each year. These genes are involved in regulating the fat content of cells, suggesting that infant leukaemia cells have specific fat requirements that are important to keep them alive. 

Professor Ottersbach and her research team want to understand how SGMS1 and ELOVL1 influence cancer development. They have an exciting new technique to study several biological pathways at the same time and work out which are involved. They then plan to test any potential drugs that take advantage of these pathways so that they can find the treatments most likely to work best for infant leukaemia. 

## **Science Seminar 2022** 

In 2022, we invited our Research Fellows, Trustees and members of the Scientific and Patient Experience Advisory Panels to our annual Scientific Seminar, ‘A Celebration of Life-Changing Research’. The event was an opportunity to celebrate how far leukaemia research has already come, whilst looking to the future and how we can continue to accelerate much-needed progress in diagnosis, treatment and care. The keynote speaker for the event was Professor John Gribben, Dr Konstantinos Tzelepis gave the Rowena Howse Lecture, and Leukaemia UK Patient Experience Advisory Panel Member, Tracey Palmer-Hole, talked about her own personal experience of leukaemia. Many of our amazing John Goldman Fellows also provided research updates via oral and poster presentations. 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review     27** 



## Building our profile, engagement and influence 

2022 was a big year for Leukaemia UK with the launch of our new brand and strategy. Saturday May 28th marked World Blood Cancer Day, which saw the global blood cancer community come together to raise awareness of the disease and champion the need for greater progress for patients. We chose this day to unveil our new strategy, which was the culmination of a huge amount of work from the Leukaemia UK team, focusing our announcement on ensuring our stakeholders and existing supporters were well informed about and on board with our ambitious plans for the future. Working with video production company Dreaming Fish, we gathered researchers, patients and staff for a filming and photography day at The Crick Institute to produce a new Leukaemia UK video to bring our strategy to life. 

Following on from the strategy launch, August saw the launch of our new brand, bringing together our vision, mission and values with a bold new visual identity to help us communicate our strategy in a compelling way for all those who work with us. As part of the rebrand we also launched a new website, and a fresh look and feel across all our digital channels. So far the brand has been very well received and gives us the cut-through we need to be able to deliver on our ambitious goals. 


The new website has performed well since launch, maintaining consistent user numbers and driving online donations, particularly for the Christmas and Blood Cancer Awareness Month appeals. Optimising our paid search activity has helped more people to find relevant information about types of leukaemia, signs and symptoms, and our research on Leukaemia UK’s website. 

To support us to grow our brand awareness and digital presence, we carried out a SEO audit in 2022 with agency Search Seven. This provided insight into the search behaviour of our audiences, and recommendations for how to target keywords and tailor our content, as well as advising on technical SEO improvements. Work to optimise our website is ongoing as part of Leukaemia UK’s wider digital strategy. 


2022 saw us launch our most ambitious Spot Leukaemia campaign to date, delivered in partnership with Leukaemia Care. This centred around a video featuring a parrot called Henry, produced by agency Sanguine, who created an original rap to make the symptoms of leukaemia more memorable. Viewers were urged to vocalise their symptoms to their GP and ask for a blood test, and to visit the website to find out more. The campaign specifically targeted 65 to 75-year-olds as leukaemia incidence rates increase sharply at this age. To support the video we carried out a survey which showed that less than 1% of Britons know all the four symptoms featured in the film. The campaign was rolled out through a wide range of channels, generating extensive media coverage, and strong digital and social media reach and engagement. 

We have had great success this year in building up our media profile across a whole different range of areas of the charity’s work. We have been working to raise the visibility of our research programme, for example through ramping up our communications around our John Goldman Fellowship (JGF) programme and developing new video content to run alongside each of our JGFs. 

We have been able to maximise opportunities around new discoveries, including from funded researchers Dr Bill Grey and Dr Kristina Kirschner, to generate media coverage of these successes and highlight our progress in blood cancer research. We have recruited a Research Communications Manager to continue to build this area in future. Similarly we have been pushing media activity around our policy work, for example through our rapid response to a report on UK cancer services from the Health and Social Care Committee which we used to put forward our position on the Government’s 10-Year Cancer Plan consultation. 

One of our main areas of focus has been in telling the stories of people affected by leukaemia. Through sharing their experiences, we are able to increase awareness of the disease and its impacts, signs and symptoms, and showcase the work we are doing to find kinder and more effective treatments to help people like them in the future. We have recruited a part-time freelancer to work with us to support people sharing their stories, which has had a big impact on our success in this area. 

We have also been growing the profile of our key fundraising activities, such as Who’s Cooking Dinner? and our winter appeal, as well as promoting the charity as a great place to work, to ensure that we are engaging supporters and staff, current and future, in the fantastic programme of work running across the organisation. 

**28     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review** 



## Investing strategically to grow sustainable income 

We are extremely grateful to our incredibly generous and committed community of supporters up and down the UK who are united in our aim to find better, kinder treatments for leukaemia, and help the next person who receives a leukaemia diagnosis to have a better experience than the last. 

Our fundraised income in 2022 grew to £2.1m thanks to our dedicated community of supporters. It is because of this that we can continue to fund the cutting-edge research that will stop leukaemia devastating lives. 

We also want to say a thank you to the continued support of The Robert Luff Foundation Ltd. Their generous funding contributed to our John Goldman Fellowship Programme, ensuring that we were able to fund four novel research projects in 2022. 

Our collaborations with Trusts and Foundations are an important part of our vision and journey. In 2023, we are again expanding our research programme including investing further in the leukaemia research leaders of today and tomorrow and applied research, to ensure breakthroughs reach patients sooner. We are actively looking to collaborate with other Trusts and Foundations to support research awards in 2023 and beyond. 

## **Our dedicated supporters** 

Donations from individuals raised nearly £240,000 in 2022. Over £70,000 of this was from regular supporters, including Direct Debits, standing orders and payroll giving. This is an extremely important form of donating as it provides us with a predictable and sustainable income stream. We are very grateful to the approximately 500 people who support us in this way. 

A further £168,043 was generously donated as oneoff donations, either unsolicited or in response to our appeals including Blood Cancer Awareness Month and Christmas. Over 12,000 people also expressed support for our work through Facebook and registered to receive our email updates. We are delighted they are interested in our work to find kinder and more effective treatments for leukaemia, and look forward to engaging with them in a variety of ways in 2023 and beyond. 

## **Trusts and Foundations** 

We would like to thank all the Trusts and Foundations who supported our work this year. It is a privilege to collaborate with such a wide range of funders who share our bold vision that research has the power to save lives. 

In 2022, thanks to dedicated grants from 35 trusts, we doubled our income from the previous year, and this incredible funding is integral to the development of Leukaemia UK’s work. Not only are Trusts and Foundations enabling our talented researchers to gain a better knowledge and understanding of leukaemia, but they have also been crucial in helping them to use this learning to leverage our next stage funding to begin to accelerate the development of smarter, kinder therapies for the disease. 

This year saw the progression of our partnership with Rosetrees Trust, which enabled us to co-fund a John Goldman Fellowship for Dr Pramila Krishnamurthy of King’s College Hospital and King’s College London. Rosetrees Trust funding is also contributing towards a new John Goldman Fellowship for Dr Simon Richardson at the University of Cambridge. We are really thankful to be able to work with Rosetrees Trust in this collaborative way, and for their generous support. 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
“At Rosetrees Trust, we have been<br>supporting cutting edge medical research<br>for more than 30 years and have a mission<br>to help brilliant minds discover healthcare<br>solutions. With this in mind, we are<br>delighted to be working in partnership<br>with Leukaemia UK to co-fund Dr<br>Krishnamurthy’s John Goldman Fellowship<br>and join her on her research journey whilst<br>she uses the co-funded fellowship to better<br>understand why some leukaemia patients<br>relapse following a stem cell transplant,<br>and how donor lymphocyte infusion can<br>help prevent this. We are also delighted to<br>be able to support the work of Dr Simon<br>Richardson through the John Goldman<br>Fellowship Programme as he progresses<br>a genomic screening technique to identify<br>promising new B-ALL drug combinations to<br>take forward to pre-clinical testing.”<br>Dr Vineeth Rajkumar,<br>Head of Research at Rosetrees Trust<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review     29** 



## In memory of Carl Hewson 

Keen sportsman, Carl Hewson, was 26 when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in the summer of 2015. A popular man, who made many friends while at school and at Oxford University, Carl worked for the structural engineering firm Arup. 

As a teenager he ran cross-country for Kent and was a regular player for Coney Hall Churches United (CHCU) football team. He was also a talented artist, accomplished French horn player and, according to his friends, irritatingly good at board games. Most of all, he valued being a good friend – a quality driven by wanting to live out his strong Christian faith. 

Carl's treatment for leukaemia took place at King's College Hospital in London where he received a bone marrow transplant from his sister Liana, who was a 100% match. 

Unfortunately, a year later and more than 80 days after Carl's bone marrow transplant, his leukaemia cells increased and despite his medical team's best efforts, Carl died on November 15, 2016. 

Since 2016, Carl's family and friends have raised over £35,000 in memory of Carl. 

## **High Value** 

With the arrival of our High Value Fundraising Manager in September, we have ambitious plans to develop lasting relationships with our new and existing High Value Donors. 

heartfelt thanks to all those who have chosen to leave a gift in their will to our charity. Your legacy will live on through the positive change that we are able to bring about in research. 

## **In memory** 

The Pittalis family have generously supported Leukaemia UK previously, in memory of a much-loved family member who sadly passed away from leukaemia. We are grateful for their continued support in 2022. 

_"Helping Leukaemia sufferers is close to our hearts. We appreciate all the support and developments Leukaemia UK continue to deliver."_ 

We received an incredible sum of £230,827 in donations in memory over the past year from individuals who chose to honour their loved ones who are no longer here. 

This generosity and compassion will help us make a real difference in the lives of those affected by this devastating disease through our research. 

## **Eleni Pittalis, the Pittalis family.** 

## **Community and Challenge Events** 

## **Corporate** 

March 2022 saw investment in corporate partnerships for Leukaemia UK through the recruitment of a full time Corporate Partnerships Manager. In just nine months, £107,844 worth of gifts in kind were secured for 2022’s Who’s Cooking Dinner?, which was an incredible achievement, as well as an income of £16,034. 

In line with Leukaemia UK’s overall five-year strategy, we are putting plans in place to continue to grow this newly established area. 

## **Legacies** 

Leukaemia UK is grateful to report that we received a total of £673,333 from gifts in wills over the past year, this is thanks to the generosity of 15 legacy gifts. These donations will enable us to continue our vital work in supporting those affected by leukaemia and funding important research into the causes and treatment of the disease. We would like to extend our 

We are extremely touched and humbled to have such a wonderful and committed community of fundraisers who continue to support us around the UK. Whether they have taken on a challenge event, or have chosen to do something more local, our supporters have the passion and drive to make a difference to those living with a leukaemia or blood cancer diagnosis. 

## **Challenge Events** 

An incredible 318 supporters took part in a challenge event to fundraise for Leukaemia UK’s ongoing work to accelerate progress in leukaemia research. Events included 5 and 10k runs, half and full marathons, cycle rides, long distance walking and skydives. Our biggest and most profitable event was the London Marathon, which raised over £120,000 and was our biggest team to date with an impressive 47 runners. The London Landmarks Half Marathon and the Royal Parks Half Marathon raised a staggering £48,500 collectively, with 35 runners choosing us as their charity to support. 

**30     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review** 



## **Community Events** 

Our loyal and dedicated community fundraised for us, with an amazing 191 fundraisers in total in 2022. These fundraisers raised over £120,000 by organising tea and cake sales, charity football matches, golf (and other sports events), and lots of other exciting activities. We were pleased to be selected as one of the charities of the year for the Mentmore Arts Festival which raised £5,000 for us, as well as being the chosen charity for a local Zumba class who decided to do a Zumbathon. 




## Gill Winsor 

Gill was kept in hospital for two nights for tests and then sent home. The next day she received a call from the hospital to go in for results and they told her she had acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). 


Gill had always been Gill was kept in hospital for two nights for tests exceptionally fit and and then sent home. The next day she received a being diagnosed with call from the hospital to go in for results and they leukaemia came as a told her she had acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). huge and unexpected shock to her. She Gill was admitted into St Bartholomews Hospital regularly exercised but for chemotherapy and stayed in hospital for a during lockdown in month so her reaction to the treatment could be 2020 noticed something monitored. After further rounds of chemotherapy had changed. she was able to have a stem cell transplant in February 2021. 

_“My daughter, who is a personal trainer, had set up a circuit in the garden. I noticed I was getting out of breath but put it down to my fitness waning a bit._ 

Since then Gill has made a spectacular recovery, running the London Marathon in 2022 on the second anniversary of being told she was in remission and raising over £3,000 for Leukaemia UK. 

“To anyone who has been recently diagnosed I would say keep positive. There are new treatments being found all the time. I am now thinking of taking part in the London Marathon again for my five year anniversary – I'll be 66 then! If I want to do something I do it now as you never know what is round the corner.” 

“Then a lump appeared in my groin. I contacted the doctor who gave me antibiotics but after a couple of weeks the lump was still there. A scan showed enlarged lymph nodes so I was sent for a blood test. The next day I was told to go straight to my nearest A&E as I was severely anaemic.” 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review     31** 



After a two-year hiatus, during which both charity and hospitality sectors were devastated by global events, we felt the time was right for Who’s Cooking Dinner? to return. 

In recognition of the role our friends within the hospitality industry have played in making Who’s Cooking Dinner? the first and foremost culinary charity dinner, we approached Hospitality Action – a support charity for hospitality personnel – to collaborate with us, incorporating two causes very close to all our hearts. All funds raised on the night were split 80/20 between us and Hospitality Action. 

Held once again at The Dorchester, the event saw an impressive list of chefs and both regular and new supporters buying tables. However, it wasn’t all plain sailing. The original date was set for September 19th, but with Her Majesty the Queen sadly passing away on the 8th, as we got closer to the day, it became clear her funeral would be held on the same date as Who’s Cooking Dinner? The decision to postpone was unanimous, and as The Dorchester had an opening only a few weeks later, we immediately started to communicate the new date of 10th of October to all those involved. Incredibly, many of our table hosts and their guests were still able to attend, but 

the short notice for the chefs meant we had a 50% dropout rate. Despite the huge challenge that faced us and with such little time, we immediately pulled out the stops to secure new chefs. We had a hugely inspiring response, which led to some fantastic new restaurants and chefs taking part, including Noxk Majozi of The Pie Room, Patrick Powell of Allegra and Ivan Tisdall-Downes of Native, all of whom are making waves within the hospitality industry. 

The change of date also meant our Grand Chef’s Auction had fewer participants than usual, some of whom had put themselves up for auction for the original date but were unable to attend in person on the re-arranged day. Nevertheless, our guests, both in the room and those who got involved online via the silent auction/donations, raised over £260,000. The enthusiasm with which guests, chefs/restaurant teams, sponsors and suppliers greeted the comeback of the event, and the sheer grit and determination of our Philanthropy Team, ensured it was a massive success, and we are already in planning for 2023. 

**32     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review** 





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“Fabulous evening, I salute the hard work and dedication it has taken to pull this off. My<br>guests enjoyed themselves hugely and we had lovely food and a great time! The BEST goody<br>bag ever and ANOTHER Who’s Cooking Dinner? apron - what more could a girl ask? Well<br>done and thank you for inviting me back.”<br>Table host, who was returning after a number of years away, pre-pandemic<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



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Dr Kostas Tzelepis<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



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“We were incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to be included in the ‘Who’s<br>Cooking Dinner?’ event in October 2022. It was astonishing to see so many of the hospitality<br>industry’s big hitters under one roof, led by the magnanimous Chris Corbin himself, and<br>all working side by side to provide what must have been an incredible experience for<br>the guests. The Dorchester provided a fitting backdrop to a great evening, which was all<br>coordinated under the diligent and watchful eye of the team at Leukaemia UK. From our<br>perspective, the exposure we received as a brand was second to none. More importantly,<br>however, the guests managed to raise an astonishing amount of money for what is an<br>incredibly worthwhile and important cause – a great effort from all involved. I told the team<br>in Germany I think it was the best event we sponsored this year and we certainly hope to be<br>included again next year.”<br>Partnerships Manager, Noam Beer<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



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Who's Cooking Dinner 2022 chefs<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


All photos by: Anna Horne 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review     33** 



## Making Leukaemia UK a great charity to work for and with 

## Our passionate team 

Leukaemia UK has a small but dedicated team who are determined to be a positive force for change for all those affected by leukaemia. During the course of 2022 our numbers grew in order to give us the right level of resource to manage our existing operation and deliver our ambitious new strategy. 

As the team has expanded, we have been focused on making sure we have the right policies, processes, training and support in place so that staff feel valued and clear on their roles in enabling our strategy. We have carried out a pay and benefits review to attract and retain the talent we need, which has led to a more attractive benefits offering and the establishment of job families and a pay review framework to deliver transparency, fairness and progression. In addition, this year we provided an extra cost-of-living allowance payment to all staff in recognition of the impact of the tough economic climate on the team. Wider policies such as maternity leave have also been reviewed, and our staff handbook updated. 

This year has seen a big focus on training and development, with the rollout of an internal training programme to support good leadership and management, project management and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We also established a new appraisal and performance management system, aimed at creating quality, ongoing, and supportive performance conversations, which was rolled out to all staff via training workshops. We have run wellbeing sessions with specialist providers Calm in a Box, and have had two all-staff away days, bringing people together for social wellbeing and inclusivity, as well as for team effectiveness and alignment to strategic aims. Getting together socially has been encouraged throughout the year to support staff wellbeing. 

With big hearts, expertise, passion and drive, our team works throughout the year to fund and deliver world-class research, advocacy and awareness to advance progress in diagnosis, treatment and care. 

## **Senior Leadership Team** 

The Trustees delegate day-to-day management of the charity to the Chief Executive, who works with a Senior Leadership Team. This Senior Leadership Team has undergone a restructure and expansion during 2022 to lead the delivery of the new strategy, with the establishment of Director-level roles and the appointment of two new job-share Directors of Communications. The Senior Leadership Team is now made of up the Chief Executive and Directors of Income, Communications, Research & Advocacy, and Finance (currently outsourced). 

## **Staff** 

Over the course of 2022 our staff numbers increased significantly, with the recruitment of around 10 roles taking our total number of permanent staff to 21 by the end of 2022, with a FTE of 19.9. The restructuring of the Senior Leadership Team was mirrored in changes across the departments, for example through the establishment of manager roles, to support future growth and clear accountability. 

During 2022 we found a new home for Leukaemia UK to provide a positive and welcoming office environment for staff in which we can embed our culture and focus on our strategic delivery. Alongside our new premises, we have continued to support staff through our hybrid working policies, which have been reviewed according to staff feedback. 


**34     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review** 



## **Volunteers** 

We are nothing without our volunteers who generously give their time and expertise to support us, and this year we have reviewed our volunteering policies and processes to make sure that we can use this valuable resource as effectively as possible. 

We are incredibly grateful to the 56 individuals who have given up their time for us this year. This includes the 40 experts that make up our Scientific Panel, the 11 members of our newly established Patient Experience Advisory Panel and the five people who supported us with events and community fundraising. We are incredibly grateful to all our volunteers for everything they do to help the charity, people with a diagnosis of blood cancer, and their friends and families. 

## **Status** 

Leukaemia UK operates as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and is governed in line with its 

constitution dated 3 December 2013. Our objectives are to relieve sickness and preserve and protect health, in particular by: 

- [Promoting research into leukaemia and/or related ] disorders 

- [Providing support directly or indirectly to people ] affected by leukaemia and/or related disorders, including the maintenance of specialist treatment units. 

## **Public benefit** 

Trustees can confirm that they are informed by the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and that they have complied with Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to this area. Any research that we fund must be available to everyone regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or age, amongst other factors. 


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## **Board of Trustees** 

Following the merger we have focussed on diversifying our Board of Trustees, bringing in new skills and backgrounds to support the delivery of the new strategy. This includes appointing Trustees with lived experience of blood cancer, in line with our aim to put those affected at the heart of all we do. We would like to extend our thanks to the Trustees that have moved on in 2022 for their time and dedication to the cause, and welcome those new to the Board. 

Trustees contribute their services to the Board on a voluntary basis and are responsible for the governance of the charity, ensuring it meets its statutory responsibilities, as well as determining overall strategy, policies and direction, with the expert guidance of the Senior Leadership Team. 

During the year under review, Leukaemia UK welcomed a new Chair Elect, as well as five new Trustees, to oversee the delivery of our strategy. The full Board meets four times a year. 

**The Leukaemia UK Board of Trustees who served during the period and up to the date of this report consists of:** 

- [Chris Corbin OBE (Chair) ] 

- [Ian McCafferty CBE (joined 21 July 2022 as Chair ] Elect – taking over as Chair 1 January 2023) 

- [Amanda Stewart (Vice-Chair)] 


- [Alastair Adam] 

- [Luke Cripps] 

- [Caroline Evans] 

- [James Fairclough] 

- [Professor Antonio Pagliuca ] 

- [Ellen Broomé (joined 8 December 2022)] 

- [Karen Cracknell (joined 27 October 2022)] 

- [Miriam Jordan Keane (joined 27 October 2022)] 

- [Professor Alejandro Madrigal (joined 8 December 2022)] 

- [Jo Reynolds (joined 27 October 2022)] 

- [Professor David Linch (resigned 8 December 2022)] 

- [Jonathan Neal (resigned 8 December 2022)] 

- [Oliver Sparks (resigned 21 July 2022)] 

The constitution states there must be a minimum of three Board members. All Trustees have a term length of three or four years but are eligible for one reappointment. Any new Trustees are invited by agreement of the existing Trustees, having due regard to the skills, knowledge and experience required for the effective administration of the charity. 


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## **Scientific and Medical Panel** 


Independent peer review is an integral part of the decision-making process when awarding funding. All grant applications are assessed by world-class researchers and experts, whose views and opinions inform our decision-making. 

Grant applications are reviewed by at least three experts from our Independent Scientific Panel and two external reviewers, in accordance with our Peer Review Policy. The reviewers assess applications for their relevance, quality and feasibility to make recommendations for funding. 

Leukaemia UK implements a policy on Conflicts of Interest, whereby all panel members and reviewers are asked to declare any conflicts they may have with the application or applicant/s, in order that these are properly managed, in line with impartiality standards. 

Leukaemia UK’s Scientific and Medical Panel members make their recommendations to Leukaemia UK’s Board of Trustees who make the final decisions on which applications will be approved for funding. 

## **In the year under review, this panel consists of:** 

- [Prof. Nick Cross, Faculty of Medicine, University of ] Southampton (Chair) 

- [Prof. Francesco Dazzi, King’s College London  ] (Vice Chair) 

- [Prof. Dominique Bonnet, Francis Crick Institute, London] 

- [Prof. Jackie Boultwood, University of Oxford] 

- [Prof. Richard Clark, University of Liverpool] 

- [Prof. Mark Cragg, University of Southampton] 

- [Dr Steve Devine MD, CIBMTR, Minneapolis, USA] 

- [Dr Amir Enshaei, Newcastle University] 

- [Prof. Tariq Enver, Cancer Institute Director, ] University College London 

- [Prof. Maria Figueroa, University of Miami Miller ] School of Medicine, Miami, USA 

- [Prof. Francesco Forconi, University of Southampton] 

- [Prof. John Gribben, Queen Mary University of London] 

- [Prof. Olaf Heidenreich, Newcastle University] 

- [Prof. Vignir Helgason, University of Glasgow] 

- [Prof. Robert Hills, Cardiff University] 

- [Prof. Anastasios Karadimitris, Imperial College London] 

- [Dr Karen Keeshan, University of Glasgow] 

- [Prof. Ulf Klein, University of Leeds] 

- [Prof. Nicolaus Kröger, University Medical Centre, ] Hamburg, Germany 

- [Prof. Cristina Lo Celso, Imperial College London] 

- [Prof. David Marin, MD Anderson Cancer Centre, ] Houston, USA 

- [Prof. Mary Francis McMullin, Queen’s University ] Belfast 

- [Dr Sharon McKenna, University College Cork, ] Ireland 

- [Prof. Alison Michie, University of Glasgow] 

- [Prof. Ken Mills, Queen’s University Belfast] 

- [Prof. Emma Morris, University College Hospital, ] London 

- [Prof. Katrin Ottersbach, University of Edinburgh] 

- [Dr Kim Orchard, University Hospital Southampton ] NHS Foundation Trust 

- [Prof. Chris Pepper, University of Sussex, Brighton ] and Sussex Medical School 

- [Prof. Uwe Platzbecker, Technical University ] Dresden, Germany 

- [Prof. Katy Rezvani, MD Anderson Cancer Centre, ] Houston, USA 

- [Prof. Simon Rule, University of Plymouth] 

- [Dr Lisa Russell, Newcastle University] 

- [Dr Satyajit Sahu, University Hospital Lewisham, ] London 

- [Dr Bipin Savani MD, Vanderbilt University Medical ] Center, USA 

- [Dr Claire Seedhouse, University of Nottingham] 

- [Dr Bronwen Shaw MD, Medical College of ] Wisconsin, USA 

- [Prof. John A Snowden, Sheffield Teaching ] Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 

- [Prof. Alex Tonks, Cardiff University] 

- [Prof. Owen Williams, University College London, ] Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review     37** 



## **Finance & Audit Sub-Committee** 

The Committee meets four times a year and in the year under review its members were: Oliver Spark, Jonathan Neal, and Alastair Adams. It is responsible for advising the Board on operational and strategic financial planning, including reviewing plans, budgets, management accounts and reforecasts. It reviews matters of financial governance including financial policies, processes and controls, and advises on the appointment of external auditors. The Committee also sets and recommends the Investment Strategy to the Board for approval and oversees the management and performance of investments. 

## **Remuneration Sub-Committee** 

The Committee meets at least once a year and in the year under review was made up of two Trustees, Caroline Evans and Chris Corbin, along with Barrow & Parker HR Consultancy. It sets and reviews the pay and benefits policies and processes for the charity, using sector benchmarking. The Committee reviews pay on an annual basis. Each year a pay award is considered but not guaranteed, with any agreed uplift applicable from April. 

## Our finances 

This report covers the period 1st January 2022 to the 31st December 2022. 

## **Income** 

Total income for 2022 came to £2,942,217 including £79,211 of investment income. 

The main sources of income came from grants, legacies and donations, including donated goods and services, totalling £2,618,936. 

## **Fundraising expenditure** 

Fundraised income during 2022 was achieved with an increase in expenditure from £544,490 in 2021 to £1,183,250. The increased expenditure was largely due to growing the staff team to manage growth in income post-merger and build a successful income generation model which can sustain and grow our world-class research programme to deliver long-term progress in leukaemia treatment, diagnosis and care. 

## **Charitable expenditure** 

## **Strategy Group** 

In the lead up to the launch of the new strategy and brand in in Q3 2022, a Strategy Group consisting of Chris Corbin, Amanda Stewart, Caroline Evans, Antonio Pagliuca, Luke Cripps, and James Fairclough met regularly, working alongside members of the Leukaemia UK team. 

Expenditure on charitable activities during 2022 was £1,869,123 - a significant increase from £1,174,912 in 2021. 


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## **Grants** 

A total of £1,214,054 was committed as new grants in the year. 

## **Surplus** 

We ended the year with a deficit after net gains on investments of £557,771 compared to a surplus of £204,557 in the prior year. 

were able to raise a total of £2,618,936 in fundraised income in 2022. 

Our plan and budget for 2023 see us continuing to draw on our reserves to invest in growing the charity post-merger as we deliver our strategy and continuing to diversify our income streams to improve our financial resilience, focusing particularly on investing in growing our legacy income and building our supporter base. 

## **Reserves** 


This result reflects a recognition by the Trustees that some of the reserves built up over the past few years should be released over the next few years, but also reflects a desire to ensure that only research and care projects that meet the stringent requirements of the charity are funded. In addition, during this unparalleled time of global change and economic uncertainty, we must have enough reserves to ensure the charity is resilient and can sustain its commitments. 

At the end of 2022, the total funds of the charity were £2,956,121 down from £3,513,892 at the end of 2021. 

## **Funds held on 31 December 2022 were:** 

- [Unrestricted £2,785,967, restricted £170,154, ] (2021 - unrestricted £3,513,892, restricted £0). 

- [As a result, free reserves totalled £2,758,766 (2021 ] - £3,430,400). 

In conjunction with the development of our new strategy, the Trustees reviewed and agreed a new Reserves Policy at the end of 2021. The policy aims to maximise funds to deliver our vision to stop leukaemia devastating lives by finding and funding life changing research, awareness and advocacy. It requires six months operating costs with a 25% uplift, plus close down liabilities. 

The current level of free reserves of £2,758,766 is significantly above this. However, our strategy and funding model developed in 2021 sets out a plan to spend some of these funds to accelerate progress towards our vision and mission over the remainder of the strategy period. 

The policy will be reviewed every two years, or sooner if required. 

## **Financial statements** 

The charity’s financial statements are set out on pages 50 to 66. 

## **Going concern** 

Like many charities, Leukaemia UK is planning for the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on charitable donations, aware that as donors feel the squeeze, charitable donations are an area that may have to be cut from people’s spending. However so far, thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters and the hard work and dedication of our team, the impact of this has not yet been significantly felt, and we 

As part of our strategy development, and as mentioned above, we have reviewed our Reserves Policy so we can invest in our charitable work to deliver greater impact for those affected by leukaemia. It is therefore reasonable to expect that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future, representing a period of at least 12 months from authorisation of the financial statements. Given this, the Trustees consider it appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis as outlined in the Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities. 



## **Investments** 

The Trustees take a cautious and prudent approach to investment of the charity’s funds. To ensure that investments are appropriately diversified, they have agreed for funds to be split between: 

- [Short and medium-term bank money market ] deposits 

- [A portfolio of investments managed by the firm of ] stockbrokers, Investec. 

This split of resources is designed to balance potential returns with appropriate risk, as well as ensuring enough liquidity to meet cash flow requirements. The long-term investment portfolio is managed by investment managers to ensure a cash income source through dividends and interest which is withdrawn from the portfolio on a quarterly basis, and to achieve capital growth by reinvesting funds from disposed of investments. 

The only restriction placed on the investment portfolio is an instruction that the firms must not invest charity funds in tobacco companies. All long-term investments are managed by Investec, which provides regular updates to Board meetings throughout the year. Investec is invited annually to present to the Finance & Audit Sub-Committee. Investec are committed to integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into their investment processes. 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review     39** 



## Ethics 

## **Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy** 

Leukaemia UK recognises the critical importance of working with individuals from all backgrounds and community groups affected by and interested in leukaemia, as this helps build a charity that values knowledge, understanding, innovation and difference in others. 

We are committed to ensuring all current and potential staff members and volunteers are offered the same opportunities regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender status, maternity status, marital status, race, religion, social status or economic status. 

We listen to those who have received a leukaemia diagnosis and want to make sure that their experiences and opinions are being heard. By focussing on what matters most to those whose lives are impacted by leukaemia, we will do everything we can to make sure that the next person diagnosed has a better experience than the last. We aim to listen, learn and collaborate with others to increase equality, diversity and accessibility across all we do. 

In 2021 we developed an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy, and planned learning and development workshops for staff and Trustees took place in 2022. We began to improve our offer to employees and introduced new recruitment processes to improve and broaden our appeal and reach to potential candidates and limit bias. We recruited a job-share partnership to our Director of Communications role in October 2022, joining our Trusts and Foundations Manager job-share partnership. Given our small workforce this highlights our commitment to flexible working and was promoted in charity press. In 2022 we also introduced the Patient Experience Advisory Panel to help us better represent and reflect the diverse experiences of those affected by leukaemia and renewed the membership of our Board of Trustees and Scientific Panel. 

## **Use of animals in research** 

Animal research has played a vital part in many medical discoveries. Some of the biggest breakthroughs in our understanding of blood cancers and the development of new treatments would not have been possible without the use of animals. Most biomedical research is carried out using non-animal methods, but sometimes these methods simply cannot replace the use of animals. 

Leukaemia UK supports the view, together with the majority of academics and every major UK charity that conducts medical research, that using animals in research is sometimes necessary to develop new treatments for human diseases. 

Leukaemia UK will fund proposals that include research with animals only where there is no alternative, and where the proposals fully comply 

with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. All animal research carried out in the UK must be approved and licensed by the Home Office. 

Leukaemia UK is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC). All AMRC members support the AMRC position statement on the use of animals in research. 

We support the guiding principles of the 3Rs (replace, refine and reduce) that underpin the humane use of animals in scientific research. Any proposed research using animals is therefore required to consider how to: 

1. ‘Replace’ animals with alternatives wherever possible 

2. ‘Refine’ experimental techniques, to ensure best practices for animal welfare 

3. ‘Reduce’ the number of animals used to a minimum, to obtain information from fewer animals or more information from the same number of animals. 

## **Fundraising ethics** 

Leukaemia UK voluntarily subscribes to the Fundraising Regulator and its Code of Fundraising Practice. The Fundraising Regulator investigates and takes appropriate action on cases of public concern. We are also signed up to the Fundraising Preference Service which enables individuals to opt out from receiving fundraising communications from us. We continue to work closely with the Fundraising Regulator and with the Institute of Fundraising to help improve standards and ways of working across the charity sector. 

## **Complaints handling** 

Complaints and supporter feedback provide important sources of information about the impact that our work has on our supporters and members of the public, giving us insights and lessons for future fundraising activities. We are committed to delivering the highest possible standard of service and supporter care. 

As part of our complaints policy, we promise: 

- [To provide a fair complaints procedure that is clear ] and easy to use 

- [To publicise our complaints procedure so that ] people know how to make a complaint 

- [To make sure that all complaints are investigated ] in a timely way 

- [To make sure that complaints are, wherever ] possible, resolved and that relationships are repaired 

- [To gather information that helps us to improve ] what we do. 

During 2022 we received two complaints from supporters. Our fundraising team worked quickly to resolve the issues to the supporters’ satisfaction. 


**40     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review** 




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The risk management process takes account of several factors when identifying risks, including internal factors such as staff expertise, cash and donation levels, and current commitments, as well as external factors including reputational risk, trends within the sector and changes in legislation. Each risk is then given a rating based on the level of impact it might have on the operations of the charity against the likelihood of any negative impact occurring. The major risks identified by the management team at the end of the reporting period are outlined here: 

## Our risks 

We have a stringent approach to risk management, with the risk register and processes reviewed on a regular basis by the Finance & Audit Sub Committee and by the full Board of Trustees. The Trustees actively review the major strategic, business and operational risks that the charity faces and confirm that they have established systems to manage significant risks. 


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Risk   Mitigating activities<br>Income doesn't meet targets due to the  •  [Finance & Risk Committee meets quarterly to review and ]<br>external environment we are currently  discuss financial performance<br>operating in •  [New Development Committee being set up to oversee ]<br>fundraising and comms activity specifically<br>•  [At least two budget reforecasts take place throughout the ]<br>year to manage income and expenditure in line with actual<br>performance<br>•  [Focus on growing and diversifying our income streams ]<br>We over-commit expenditure too early  •  [Developing management accounting processes to ensure more ]<br>in the year before income picture fully  real-time information available on income and expenditure<br>known<br>•  [Cash-flow decision making discussed and agreed at SLT so ]<br>discretionary spend can be paused if income targets are not<br>being reached<br>•  [Committee oversight and reforecasts as above ]<br>Fundraising investment doesn’t perform  •  [A range of options for fundraising investment have been ]<br>to time or budget developed to manage risk – three distinct areas with different<br>targets and approaches<br>•  [Regular monitoring of progress through Finance & Audit ]<br>Committee and the establishment of a Development<br>Committee to support strategy and plans.<br>•  [Agreement at Board level of an element of having freedom to ]<br>fail – if we want to grow we have to try new things and not all<br>of these will succeed<br>Struggle to retain team/key individuals  •  [Additional cost-of-living payments have been made to all staff]<br>as pay levels fail to compete with  •  [Annual pay review process taking cost-of-living increases into ]<br>increasing needs due to cost-of-living account<br>•  [Pay and benefits review carried out to ensure we are ]<br>competitive<br>•  [Focus on staff retention through other means e.g. training and ]<br>development, hybrid and flexible working options<br>Key projects fail to deliver on time  •  [Regular scrutiny of key projects at fortnightly SLT meetings  ]<br>impacting over dependencies. to ensure these are on track<br>•  [Reporting to Board and relevant Committees at key project ]<br>moments<br>•  [Project management training and tools made available to  ]<br>all staff<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



**42     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review** 



**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **2022 in review     43** 



## Our plans for 2023 



**44     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Our plans for 2023** 





In 2022 we launched our new five-year strategy, setting out our ambitious plans to accelerate progress through research, awareness and advocacy in stopping leukaemia devastating lives. For 2023, our first full year of the new strategy, we plan to lay the strong foundations we will need to reach our goals for 2027. 

## **In 2023, our five overarching objectives are to:** 

alone and through relevant collaborations and partnerships with the blood cancer community such as Spot Leukaemia with Leukaemia Care and the Blood Cancer Alliance. 

1. Put the needs of everyone affected by leukaemia at the heart of all we do and advocate for progress, expanding the Patient Experience Advisory Panel (PEAP) and making sure all of our charitable activities are guided by the needs of patients and their families. We will also be developing our policy work, building our relationships with key stakeholders and collaborating with relevant coalitions including the Blood Cancer Alliance, Cancer 52 & One Cancer Voice to bring about real change for patients. 

   4. Invest strategically to grow sustainable net income, developing our fundraising portfolio to deliver increased income. This will include developing a new strategy for our corporate partnerships, rolling out an acquisition campaign to bring new supporters into the charity, developing a legacy giving campaign and increasing the volume of our trust fundraising. We will also build on the success of our annual Who’s Cooking Dinner? fundraising event, while rolling out new events for our supporters. 

2. Maintain investment in research to accelerate progress in diagnosis, treatment, and care, continuing to focus on supporting early career researchers to ensure succession. Over the course of 2023 we aim to award 11 new grants to fund the best and most innovative in leukaemia research, alongside managing our existing research portfolio. 

   5. Make Leukaemia UK a great charity to work for and with, improving our employee engagement and continuing our focus on staff training, development and wellbeing. In 2023 we plan to focus particularly on our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion strategy, on ensuring we are supporting staff appropriately against the backdrop of the rising cost-of-living, and on improving our governance. We will also be moving Operations in-house and developing new ways of working under new leadership. Finally, next year will see Leukaemia UK move to a new home in Central London in which we can develop our culture. 

3. Build our profile, engagement, and influence to increase support and impact, building our brand and increasing engagement with our supporters. We will raise public awareness of the signs and symptoms of leukaemia, the impact of leukaemia, and the progress being made in research, both 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Our plans for 2023     45** 



Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities 

**46     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities** 




The Board of Trustees presents its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022. The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, they are required to prepare the financial statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Under charity 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 charity and any excess of expenditure over income for that year. 

## **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] 

- [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 the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the ] charity will continue its activities. 

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’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 Charities Act 2011. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the charity and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. 

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

In addition, the Trustees confirm that they are happy that the content of the annual review in pages 3 to 47 of this document meet the requirements of the Trustees’ Annual Report under charity law. They also confirm that the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. 

## **Each person who is a Trustee at the date of approval of this report confirms that:** 

- [So far as the Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity’s auditors are ] unaware 

- [The Trustee has taken all the steps he/she ought to have taken as a Trustee to make himself/herself aware of ] any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity’s auditors are aware of that information. 

This report was approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 29 June 2023 and signed on its behalf. 

Ian McCafferty CBE, Chair 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities     47** 




**48     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022** 




Accounts 2022 


**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022     49** 



## Independent auditor’s report to the trustees of Leukaemia UK 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of Leukaemia UK for the year ended 31 December 2022 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard Applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

In our opinion the financial statements: 

- [give a true and fair view of the state of the ] charity’s affairs as at 31 December 2022, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended; 

- [have been properly prepared in accordance with ] United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 

- [have been prepared in accordance with the ] requirements of the Charities Act 2011. 

## **Basis for opinion** 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

## **Conclusions relating to going concern** 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

## **Other information** 

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

**50     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022** 



## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: 

- [the information given in the Trustees’ Annual ] Report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or 

- [the charity has not kept adequate accounting ] records; or 

- [the financial statements are not in agreement with ] the accounting records and returns; or 

- [we have not received all the information and ] explanations we required for our audit. 

## **Responsibilities of the Trustees** 

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 43, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

## **Auditor’s Responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements** 

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act. 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

- [Identify and assess the risks of material ] misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 

- [Obtain an understanding of internal control ] relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purposes of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the charity’s internal control. 

- [Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting ] policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the trustees. 

- [Conclude on the appropriateness of the trustees’ ] use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charity to cease to continue as a going concern. 

- [Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and ] content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. 

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK) we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022     51** 



## **Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud** 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of noncompliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. 

The objectives of our audit in respect of fraud, are; to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud; to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud, through designing and implementing appropriate responses to those assessed risks; and to respond appropriately to instances of fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit. However, the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both management and those charged with governance of the charity. 

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that are not closely related to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion. 

## **Use of our report** 

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 8 of the Charities Act 2011. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to any party other than the charity and charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinion we have formed. 

Our approach was as follows: 

- [We obtained an understanding of the legal and ] regulatory requirements applicable to the charity and considered that the most significant are the Charities Act 2011, the Charity SORP, and UK financial reporting standards as issued by the Financial Reporting Council 

- [We obtained an understanding of how the charity ] complies with these requirements by discussions with management and those charged with governance. 

- [We assessed the risk of material misstatement ] of the financial statements, including the risk of material misstatement due to fraud and how it might occur, by holding discussions with management and those charged with governance. 

Luke Holt (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Moore Kingston Smith LLP, Statutory auditor 

3 July 2023 

9 Appold Street London EC2A 2AP 

Moore Kingston Smith LLP is eligible to act as auditor in terms of Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006. 

- [We inquired of management and those charged ] with governance as to any known instances of non-compliance or suspected non-compliance with laws and regulations. 

- [Based on this understanding, we designed specific ] appropriate audit procedures to identify instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. This included making enquiries of management and those charged with governance and obtaining additional corroborative evidence as required. 

**52     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022** 



Statement of financial activities For the year ended 31 December 2022 

|**_Notes_**<br>**Income from**<br>Donations and legacies<br>_3_<br>Other trading activities<br>_4_<br>Investments<br>_5_<br>**Total income**<br>**Expenditure on**<br>Raising funds<br>_6 & 7_<br>Charitable activities<br>_6 & 8_<br>**Total expenditure**<br>Net gains/(losses) on investments<br>_12_<br>Net income/(expenditure)<br>Transfer between funds<br>Net movement in funds<br>**Reconciliation of funds**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>_16 & 17_<br>**Total funds carried forward**<br>_16 & 17_|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds 2022**<br>**£**<br>1,905,001<br>244,070<br>79,211<br>2,228,282<br>1,183,250<br>1,827,123<br>3,010,373<br> (447,615)<br>(1,229,706)<br>501,781<br>(727,925)<br>3,513,892<br>2,785,967|**Restricted**<br>**Funds 2022**<br>**£**<br>713,935<br>-<br>-<br>713,935<br>-<br>42,000<br>42,000<br>-<br>671,935<br>(501,781)<br>170,154<br>-<br>170,154|**Total Funds**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>2,618,936<br>244,070<br>79,211<br>2,942,217<br>1,183,250<br>1,869,123<br>3,052,373<br> (447,615)<br>(557,771)<br>-<br>(557,771)<br>3,513,892<br>2,956,121|_Total Funds_<br>_2021_<br>_£_<br>_1,531,237_<br>_2,708_<br>_83,642_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_1,617,587_<br>_544,490_<br>_1,174,912_|
|||||_1,719,402_<br>_306,372_|
|||||_204,557_<br>_-_|
|||||_204,557_<br>_3,309,335_|
|||||_3,513,892_|



The notes on pages 56 to 69 form part of the financial statements. 

All the above results arise from continuing activities. 

There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022     53** 



## Balance sheet 

## As of 31 December 2022 

|**_Notes_**<br>**Fixed assets**<br>Tangible assets<br>_11_<br>Investments<br>_12_<br>**Total fxed assets**<br>**Current assets**<br>Debtors and prepayments<br>_13_<br>Investments<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**Total current assets**<br>Creditors - amounts falling due<br>within one year<br>_14_<br>**Net current assets**<br>Grants awarded - due in more than<br>one year<br>_15_<br>**Total net assets**<br>**Funds of the charity**<br>**Restricted**<br>_16 & 17_<br>**Unrestricted**<br>Designated<br>_16 & 17_<br>General<br>_16 & 17_<br>**Total unrestricted**<br>**Total funds**|**561,453**<br>**207,441**<br>**1,697,021**<br>**2,465,915**<br>**(1,687,982)**<br>**27,201**<br>**2,758,766**|**Total Funds**<br>**2022 £**<br>**24,286**<br>**2,860,638**<br>**2,884,924**<br>**777,933**<br>**(706,736)**<br>**2,956,121**<br>170,154<br>**2,785,967**<br>**2,956,121**|_161,574_<br>_205,297_<br>_1,883,428_<br>_2,250,299_<br>_(1,883,776)_<br>_83,492_<br>_3,430,400_|_Total Funds_<br>_2021 £_<br>_16,443_<br>_3,331,478_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_3,347,921_<br>_366,523_<br>_(200,552)_|
|||||_3,513,892_|
|||||_-_<br>_3,513,892_|
|||||_3,513,892_|



The notes on pages 56 to 69 form part of the financial statements. 

These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 29 June 2023 and signed on their behalf by: 

**Ian McCafferty CBE** Chair 

**54     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022** 



## Statement of cash flows 

## For the year ended 31 December 2022 

|**Cash fows from operating activities**<br>Net income/(expenditure) for period (as per SOFA)<br>Adjustments for:<br>Depreciation charges<br>(Proft)/loss on disposal of tangible asset<br>Investment income received<br>Net gains/(losses) on investments<br>(Increase)/decrease in short term investments<br>(Increase)/decrease in trade debtors<br>(Increase)/decrease in accrued gift aid<br>(Increase)/decrease in other accrued income<br>(Increase)/decrease in prepayments<br>(Increase)/decrease in other debtors<br>Increase/(decrease) in trade creditors<br>Increase/(decrease) in payroll liabilities<br>Increase/(decrease) in grants payable - due in<br>less than a year<br>Increase/(decrease) in accruals<br>Increase/(decrease) in grants payable - due in<br>more than a year<br>**Net cash fows from operating activities**<br>**Cash fows from investing activities**<br>Investment income received<br>Purchase of tangible fxed assets<br>Proceeds from sale of investments<br>Purchase of investments<br>Decrease/(increase) in cash held in portfolio<br>**Net cash fows from investing activities**<br>Change in cash and cash equivalents in period<br>Cash at bank and in hand brought forward<br>**Cash at bank and in hand carried forward**|**7,014**<br>**-**<br>**(79,211)**<br>**447,615**<br>**(2,144)**<br>**(24,500)**<br>**(31,543)**<br>**(17,045)**<br>**(3,751)**<br>**(323,040)**<br>**5,635**<br>**21,159**<br>**(259,316)**<br>**36,728**<br>**506,184**<br>**79,211**<br>**(14,857)**<br>**1,038,610**<br>**(1,039,686)**<br>**24,301**|**Total Funds**<br>**2022 £**<br>**(557,771)**<br>**283,785**<br>**(273,986)**<br>**87,579**<br>**(186,407)**<br>**1,883,428**<br>**1,697,021**|_1,710_<br>_1,002_<br>_(83,642)_<br>_(306,372)_<br>_(998)_<br>_34,000_<br>_(36,033)_<br>_(6,120)_<br>_(44,025)_<br>_-_<br>_57,211_<br>_5,678_<br>_182,081_<br>_4,275_<br>_(343,426)_<br>_83,642_<br>_(17,538)_<br>_672,420_<br>_(586,543)_<br>_(61,847)_|_Total Funds_<br>_2021 £_<br>_204,557_<br>_(534,659)_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_(330,102)_<br>_90,134_|
|||||_(239,968)_<br>_2,123,396_|
|||||_1,883,428_|



The notes on pages 56 to 69 form part of the financial statements. An analysis of changes in net debt can be found in note 18. 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022     55** 



## Notes to the financial statements 1. Accounting policies 

## **Basis of preparation of the financial statements** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with ‘Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) second edition (effective 1 January 2019)’, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), including Update Bulletin 2, and relevant charities law. 

The effect of any event relating to the year ended 31 December 2022, which occurred before the date of approval of the financial statements by the Board of Trustees has been included in the financial statements to the extent required to show a true and fair view of the state of affairs at 31 December 2022 and the results for the year ended on that date. 

The functional currency of the Charity is sterling and amounts in the financial statements are rounded to the nearest pound. 

## **Legal status** 

Leukaemia UK is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England & Wales, and meets the definition of a public benefit entity. The registered office is 52 Portland Place, London, W1B 1NH. 

## **Going concern** 

The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. 

furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. 

Designated Funds are unrestricted funds which have been designated for a specific purpose by the Trustees. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in note 16 of the financial statements. 

Restricted funds are funds that are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or that have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in note 16 of the financial statements. 

## **Income** 

All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Charity has entitlement, there is probability of receipt and the amount is measurable. 

For donations and gifts this is when they are received. Gift Aid is recognised on a receivable basis as part of the income to which it relates. 

Legacies are recognised in the statement of financial activities when there is entitlement, adequate probability and reliability of receipt and their value can be accurately measured. For both pecuniary and residuary legacies this is when probate has been granted and a reasonable estimate calculated for this income. 

Grants are recognised in full in the year in which they are receivable except in situations where they are related to performance in which case they are accrued as the Charity earns the right through performance. 

Fundraising income is accounted for gross, with any associated costs presented as expenditure. 

Interest is recorded when it is receivable. 

The Trustees have considered the Charity's forecasts and projections and have taken account of pressures on donation, fundraising and investment income. After making enquiries, the Trustees confirm that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and that there are no material uncertainties that would impact this assessment. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had no material impact on this assessment. The Charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements. 

## **Fund Accounting** 

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in 

Dividends are accounted for when due, and tax recoverable on such income is accounted for based on the repayment due in the fiscal year ending in that accounting year. 

Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at the period end. 

## **Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT** 

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and liabilities are recognised as expenditure when there is a legal obligation committing the Charity to the expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be made, and the obligation can be measured. 

**56     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022** 



Non-recoverable VAT is included against the expenditure heading to which it relates. 

Indirect costs, including governance costs, which cannot be directly attributed to activities, are allocated between activities proportionate to the direct costs incurred in those activities. 

Grants payable are payments made to third parties in furtherance of the Charity's objectives. 

Unconditional grant offers are accrued in full once the recipient has been advised of the grant award and the payment is probable. Where grant awards are subject to performance conditions that are outside of the control of the Charity these are accrued when the recipients have been notified of the grant award. 

Multi-year grants are recognised at their historic cost and thereafter at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date. Where payments are due over more than one year from the date of the award and there are no unfulfilled conditions which are within the control of the Charity and the effect of discounting is immaterial, no adjustment is made to discount the liability to its present value at the reporting date. 

## **Taxation** 

As a registered charity income and gains are exempt from Corporation Tax to the extent that they are applied to the charitable objectives. 

## **Donated goods and services** 

Where goods are provided to the Charity as a donation that would normally be purchased from suppliers this contribution is included in the financial statements as an estimated based on the value of the contribution to the Charity. 

## **Investments** 

Investments are initially measured at their cost and subsequently measured at their fair value at each reporting date, which gives rise to unrealised gains/ losses at the end of the financial period which is reflected in the SOFA. Realised gains/losses are calculated as the difference between the sales proceeds and the opening carrying value or the purchase price if acquired during the financial period. Partial disposals are accounted for using the average value. Fair value is based on the quoted price at the balance sheet date without deduction of estimated future selling costs. 

## **Tangible fixed assets and depreciation** 

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses, with individual assets over £500 being capitalised. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows: 

Computers – straight line over 4 years 

Fixtures and fittings – straight line over 5 years 

## **Financial instruments** 

Basic financial instruments are measured at amortised cost other than investments which are measured at fair value. 

## **Cash at bank and in hand** 

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash in hand, deposits with banks and funds that are readily convertible into cash at, or close to, their carrying values, but are not held for investment purposes. 

## **Debtors** 

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount is applied. 

## **Creditors** 

Creditors 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. 

## **Critical estimates and judgements** 

In preparing financial statements it is necessary to make certain judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements. The treatment of tangible fixed assets is sensitive to changes in useful economic lives and residual values of assets. These are reassessed annually. 

The charity recognises residuary legacies once probate has been granted, which therefore requires an estimation of the amount receivable. This calculation is based on the estate accounts provided by the executor and allows for a proportion of costs incurred in finalising the estate. 

Donated goods and services are based on estimate of the value of the contribution to the Charity as per the accounting policy above. 

In the view of the Trustees in applying the accounting policies adopted, no other judgements were required that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements nor do any estimates or assumptions made carry a significant risk of material adjustment in the next financial year. 

## **Pensions** 

Pension contributions payable under a defined contribution scheme are charged to the SOFA in the accounting period to which they relate. 

## **Employee benefits** 

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense. 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022     57** 



## 2. Comparative statement of financial activities 

|**_Notes_**<br>**Income from**<br>Donations and legacies<br>_3_<br>Other trading activities<br>_4_<br>Investments<br>_5_<br>**Total income**<br>**Expenditure on**<br>Raising funds<br>_6 & 7_<br>Charitable activities<br>_6 & 8_<br>**Total expenditure**<br>Net gains/(losses) on investments<br>_12_<br>Net income/(expenditure)<br>Transfer between funds<br>Net movement in funds<br>**Reconciliation of funds**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>_16 & 17_<br>**Total funds carried forward**<br>_16 & 17_|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds 2021**<br>**£**<br>1,406,296<br>2,708<br>83,642<br>1,492,646<br>544,490<br>1,149,794<br>1,694,284<br>306,372<br>104,734<br>107,500<br>212,234<br>3,301,658<br>3,513,892|**Restricted**<br>**Funds 2021**<br>**£**<br>124,941<br>-<br>-<br>124,941<br>-<br>25,118<br>25,118<br>-<br>99,823<br>(107,500)<br>(7,677)<br>7,677<br>-|_Total Funds_<br>_2021_<br>_£_<br>_1,531,237_<br>_2,708_<br>_83,642_|
|---|---|---|---|
||||_1,617,587_<br>_544,490_<br>_1,174,912_|
||||_1,719,402_<br>_306,372_|
||||_204,557_<br>_-_|
||||_204,557_<br>_3,309,335_|
||||_3,513,892_|



**58     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022** 



## 3. Income from donations & legacies 

|Donations<br>Grants<br>Legacies and in memorium<br>Donated goods and services<br>**Total income from donations & legacies**<br>Donations<br>Grants<br>Legacies and in memorium<br>Donated goods and services<br>**Total income from donations & legacies**<br>Donated goods and services consists of:<br>Ofce accommodation and related costs<br>Who's Cooking Dinner support<br>**Total donated goods and services**|Unrestricted<br>Fund 2022<br>£<br>776,717<br>52,256<br>904,160<br>171,868<br>1,905,001<br>Unrestricted<br>Fund 2021<br>£<br>841,525<br>46,873<br>455,139<br>62,759<br>1,406,296|Restricted<br>Funds 2022<br>£<br>-<br>713,935<br>-<br>-<br>713,935<br>Restricted<br>Funds 2021<br>£<br>50,000<br>24,941<br>50,000<br>-<br>124,941<br>**Total Funds**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**64,014**<br>**107,844**<br>**171,858**|**Total Funds**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**776,717**<br>**766,191**<br>**904,160**<br>**171,868**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**2,618,936**|
||||_Total Funds_<br>_2021_<br>_£_<br>_891,525_<br>_71,814_<br>_505,139_<br>_62,759_|
||||_1,531,237_|
||||_Total Funds_<br>_2021_<br>_£_<br>_62,759_<br>_-_|
||||_62,759_|



**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022     59** 



## 4. Income from other trading activities 

|Ticket sales<br>Auctions and rafes<br>Other<br>**Total income from other trading activities**<br>Sale of tables at Who's Cooking Dinner<br>Other<br>**Total income from other trading activities**|Unrestricted<br>Fund 2022<br>£<br>126,950<br>116,546<br>574<br>244,070<br>Unrestricted<br>Fund 2021<br>£<br>1,342<br>1,366<br>2,708|Restricted<br>Funds 2022<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>Restricted<br>Funds 2021<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Total Funds**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**126,950**<br>**116,546**<br>**574**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**244,070**|
||||**Total Funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>_1,342_<br>_1,366_|
||||_2,708_|



## 5. Income from investments 

|Dividends and interest on fxed asset investments<br>Interest on short term cash deposits<br>**Total income from investments**<br>Dividends and interest on fxed asset investments<br>Interest on short term cash deposits<br>_Total income from investments_|Unrestricted<br>Fund 2022<br>£<br>75,327<br>3,884<br>79,211<br>Unrestricted<br>Fund 2021<br>£<br>82,533<br>1,109<br>83,642|Restricted<br>Funds 2022<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>Restricted<br>Funds 2021<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Total Funds**<br>**2022**<br>**£**<br>**75,327**<br>**3,884**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**79,211**|
||||_Total Funds_<br>_2021_<br>_£_<br>_82,533_<br>_1,109_|
||||_83,642_|



**60     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022** 



## 6. Total expenditure 

|**Expenditure on**<br>Raising funds<br>Charitable activities<br>**Total expenditure**<br>**Expenditure on**<br>Raising funds<br>Charitable activities<br>**Total expenditure**|**Grants to**<br>**institutions**<br>**2022 £**<br>-<br>1,214,054<br>1,214,054<br>**Grants to**<br>**institutions**<br>**2021 £**<br>-<br>898,184<br>898,184|**Direct staff**<br>**2022 £**<br>468,473<br>244,704<br>713,177<br>**Direct staff**<br>**2021 £**<br>241,167<br>49,450<br>290,617|**Direct other**<br>**2022 £**<br>502,359<br>74,819<br>577,178<br>**Direct other**<br>**2021 £**<br>198,902<br>1,957<br>200,859|**Indirect**<br>**2022 £**<br>212,418<br>335,546<br>547,964<br>**Indirect**<br>**2021 £**<br>104,421<br>225,321<br>329,742|**Total costs**<br>**2022 £**<br>1,183,250<br>1,869,123|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||3,052,373|
||||||**Total costs**<br>**2021 £**<br>_544,490_<br>_1,174,912_|
||||||_1,719,402_|



Indirect costs, including governance costs, which cannot be directly attributed to activities, are allocated between activities proportionate to the direct costs incurred in those activities. 

A breakdown of charitable expenditure between restricted and unrestricted funds can be found in note 8. 

An analysis of staff costs can be found in note 10. 

A breakdown of expenditure on raising funds between restricted and unrestricted funds can be found in note 7. 

|**Indirect costs includes the**<br>**following items:**<br>Management & operational staff<br>Premises<br>IT, fnance & other professional services<br>Redesign of website and branding<br>General admin<br>Governance<br>**Total indirect costs**<br>**Governance costs includes the**<br>**following items:**<br>Audit and independent examination costs<br>Legal costs<br>Insurance costs<br>Other costs including trustee recruitment<br>**Total governance costs**|**Total costs**<br>**2022 £**<br>**121,617**<br>**65,333**<br>**178,191**<br>**74,363**<br>**57,582**<br>**50,878**<br>**547,964**<br>**Total costs**<br>**2022 £**<br>**16,242**<br>**8,818**<br>**1,731**<br>**24,087**<br>**50,878**|_Total costs_<br>_2021 £_<br>_95,665_<br>_64,466_<br>_106,904_<br>_-_<br>_38,893_<br>_23,814_|
|---|---|---|
|||_329,742_|
|||_Total costs_<br>_2021 £_<br>_13,242_<br>_9,000_<br>_1,572_<br>_-_|
|||_23,814_|



**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022     61** 



## 7. Expenditure on raising funds 

|Direct staff costs<br>Other direct costs<br>Indirect costs<br>**Total expenditure on raising funds**<br>Direct staff costs<br>Other direct costs<br>Indirect costs<br>**Total expenditure on raising funds**|Unrestricted<br>Funds 2022 £<br>468,473<br>502,359<br>212,418<br>1,183,250<br>Unrestricted<br>Funds 2021 £<br>241,167<br>198,902<br>104,421<br>544,490|Restricted<br>Funds 2022 £<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>Restricted<br>Funds 2021 £<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Total Funds**<br>**2022 £**<br>**468,473**<br>**502,359**<br>**212,418**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**1,183,250**|
||||_Total Funds_<br>_2021 £_<br>_241,167_<br>_198,902_<br>_104,421_|
||||_544,490_|



Included within other direct costs are investment management costs of £23,225 (2021 - £24,030). 

## 8. Expenditure on charitable activities 

|Grants to institutions<br>Direct staff costs<br>Other direct costs<br>Indirect costs<br>**Total expenditure on charitable activities**<br>Grants to institutions<br>Direct staff costs<br>Other direct costs<br>Indirect costs<br>**Total expenditure on raising funds**|Unrestricted<br>Funds 2022 £<br>1,172,054<br>244,704<br>74,819<br>335,546<br>1,827,123<br>Unrestricted<br>Funds 2021 £<br>873,066<br>49,450<br>1,957<br>225,321<br>1,149,794|Restricted<br>Funds 2022 £<br>42,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>42,000<br>Restricted<br>Funds 2021 £<br>25,118<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Total Funds**<br>**2022 £**<br>**1,214,054**<br>**244,704**<br>**74,819**<br>**335,546**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**1,869,123**|
||||_Total Funds_<br>_2021 £_<br>_898,184_<br>_49,450_<br>_1,957_<br>_225,321_|
|||25,118|_1,174,912_|



**62     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022** 



## 9. Analysis of grants awarded in period 

|Kings College London<br>Queen Mary University of London<br>University College London<br>University of Birmingham<br>University of Cambridge<br>University of Edinburgh<br>University of Glasgow<br>University of Oxford<br>University of York<br>Small project/support grants*<br>Release of prior year provision<br>**Total grants awarded**|**Total funds**<br>**2022 £**<br>**-**<br>**149,415**<br>**150,000**<br>**56,291**<br>**544,879**<br>**98,096**<br>**248,211**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**54,000**<br>**(86,838)**<br>**1,214,054**|_Total funds_<br>_2021 £_<br>_124,935_<br>_-_<br>_-_<br>_375,482_<br>_-_<br>_124,546_<br>_-_<br>_122,310_<br>_117,911_<br>_33,000_<br>_-_|
|---|---|---|
|||_898,184_|



*Small project grants consist of a number of small awards which are not listed in their entirety here as they are not individually material to the accounts. 

## 10. Staff numbers and costs 

|Gross salaries<br>Employer's NIC<br>Employer's pension<br>Termination payments<br>**Total staff costs**|**Total costs**<br>**2022 £**<br>**708,168**<br>**75,431**<br>**39,700**<br>**11,495**<br>**834,794**|_Total costs_<br>_2021 £_<br>_333,222_<br>_32,690_<br>_20,370_<br>_-_|
|---|---|---|
|||_386,282_|



The average headcount during the year was 18 persons (2021 – 9). 

One employee received employee benefits including termination payments of between £90,000 - £99,999 and one employee between £60,000 - £69,999 (2021 – one employee between £80,000 - £89,999). 

Total remuneration to key management personnel in the year was £253,293 (2021 - £99,665). 

The increase in year is due to a restructure of the Charity due to the growth in year that saw new roles within the senior leadership team which are now included as part of key management personnel which previously only included the Chief Executive. 

During the current period total termination/ redundancy payments of £11,495 were made as a result of a restructuring of the fundraising and communication teams. This included ex-gratia payments above standard redundancy payments. 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022     63** 



## 11. Tangible fixed assets 

|**Cost**<br>Brought forward on 1 January 2022<br>Additions in year<br>**Cost carried forward on 31 December 2022**<br>**Accumulated depreciation**<br>Brought forward on 1 January 2022<br>Charge in year<br>**Accumulated depreciation carried forward on**<br>**31 December 2022**<br>**Net book value**<br>Brought forward on 1 January 2022<br>**Net book value carried forward on 31 December 2022**|Computer<br>equipment £<br>23,897<br>14,857<br>38,754<br>7,454<br>7,014<br>14,468<br>16,443<br>24,286|Fixtures &<br>fttings £<br>606<br>-<br>606<br>606<br>-<br>606<br>-<br>-|**Total tangible**<br>**fxed assets £**<br>**24,503**<br>**14,857**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**39,360**|
||||**8,060**<br>**7,014**|
||||**15,074**|
||||**16,443**|
||||**24,286**|



## 12. Fixed asset investments 

|Market value brought forward<br>Additions at cost<br>Proceeds on disposal<br>Net gains/(losses) in period<br>Market value carried forward<br>Cash held as part of the investment portfolio<br>**Total market value of investment portfolio carried forward**<br>Analysis of market value of investments by investment type:<br>UK fxed interest bonds<br>Non UK fxed interest bonds<br>UK equities and funds<br>Non UK equities and funds<br>Other funds including cash<br>**Total market value of investment portfolio carried forward**|**Total funds**<br>**2022 £**<br>**3,228,725**<br>**1,039,686**<br>**(1,038,610)**<br>**(447,615)**<br>**2,782,186**<br>**78,452**<br>**2,860,638**<br>**Total funds**<br>**2022 £**<br>**162,332**<br>**343,946**<br>**663,374**<br>**1,075,550**<br>**615,436**<br>**2,860,638**|_Total funds_<br>_2021 £_<br>_3,008,230_<br>_586,543_<br>_(672,420)_<br>_306,372_|
|---|---|---|
|||_3,228,725_<br>_102,753_|
|||_3,331,478_|
|||_Total funds_<br>_2021 £_<br>_354,944_<br>_122,249_<br>_1,146,360_<br>_1,114,729_<br>_593,196_|
|||_3,331,478_|



**64     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022** 



## 13. Debtors and prepayments 

|Trade debtors<br>Accrued gift aid<br>Accrued legacy income<br>Other accrued income<br>Prepayments<br>**Total debtors and prepayments**|**Total funds**<br>**2022 £**<br>**24,500**<br>**104,607**<br>**323,040**<br>**42,836**<br>**66,470**<br>**561,453**|_Total funds_<br>_2021 £_<br>_-_<br>_73,064_<br>_-_<br>_25,791_<br>_62,719_|
|---|---|---|
|||_161,574_|



## 14. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

|Trade creditors<br>Payroll liabilities<br>Grants awarded - due in less than a year<br>Accruals<br>**Total creditors - amounts falling due within one year**|**Total funds**<br>**2022 £**<br>**68,265**<br>**37,056**<br>**1,525,908**<br>**56,753**<br>**1,687,982**|_Total funds_<br>_2021 £_<br>_62,630_<br>_15,897_<br>_1,785,224_<br>_20,025_|
|---|---|---|
|||_1,883,776_|



## 15. Grants payable 

|Brought forward on 1 January 2022<br>Grants awarded (see note 9)<br>Release of prior year provision (see note 9)<br>Grants paid in year<br>**Total grants payable on 31 December 2022**<br>Payable within one year<br>Payable within two to fve years<br>**Total grants payable on 31 December 2022**|**Total funds**<br>**2022 £**<br>**1,300,892**<br>**(86,838)**|**Total funds**<br>**2022 £**<br>**1,985,776**<br>**1,214,054**<br>**(967,186)**<br>**2,232,644**<br>**Total funds**<br>**2022 £**<br>**1,525,908**<br>**706,736**<br>**2,232,644**|_Total funds_<br>_2021 £_<br>_898,184_<br>_-_|_Total funds_<br>_2021 £_<br>_2,147,121_<br>_898,184_<br>_(1,059,529)_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_1,985,776_|
|||||_Total funds_<br>_2021 £_<br>_1,785,224_<br>_200,552_|
|||||_1,985,776_|



**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022     65** 



## 16. Analysis of charity funds 

|**Restricted funds**<br>BEIS funding<br>Project/support grants<br>Mind & body<br>John Goldman<br>Fellowships 2021<br>John Goldman<br>Fellowships 2022<br>Research grants<br>**Total restricted funds**<br>**Designated funds**<br>IMPACT<br>**Total designated funds**<br>**General funds**<br>**Total funds**|**Funds**<br>**brought**<br>**forward**<br>**2022 £**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>83,492<br>83,492<br>3,430,400<br>3,513,892|**Income in**<br>**year**<br>**2022 £**<br>629,290<br>5,000<br>-<br>42,645<br>17,000<br>20,000<br>713,935<br>-<br>-<br>2,228,282<br>2,942,217|**Expenditure**<br>**in year**<br>**2022 £**<br>-<br>(5,000)<br>-<br>-<br>(17,000)<br>(20,000)<br>(42,000)<br>(56,291)<br>(56,291)<br>(2,954,082)<br>(3,052,373)|**Net gains/**<br>**(losses) on**<br>**revaluation**<br>**2022 £**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(447,615)<br>(447,615)|**Transfers**<br>**between**<br>**funds**<br>**2022 £**<br>(459,136)<br>-<br>-<br>(42,645)<br>-<br>-<br>(501,781)<br>-<br>-<br>501,781<br>-|**Funds**<br>**carried**<br>**forward**<br>**2022 £**<br>**170,154**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||**170,154**|
|||||||**27,201**|
|||||||**27,201**|
|||||||**2,758,766**|
|||||||**2,956,121**|



## **Restricted funds – BEIS funding** 

The Charity received funds from BEIS to support the current John Goldman Fellowships which are paid out in 2022-2023. As the grant commitments were recognised in full in previous years, the grant funding has been offset against this commitment and therefore shown as a transfer to unrestricted funds in the current year. 

## **Restricted funds – Project/support grants** 

The Charity received funds from a variety of sources to support small project/support grants. 

## **Restricted funds – John Goldman Fellowships 2021** 

The Charity received funds from a variety of sources to support the annual John Goldman Fellowships in 2020 which are paid out in 2020-2022. As the grant commitments were recognised in full in 2020, the grant funding has been offset against this commitment and therefore shown as a transfer to unrestricted funds in the current year. 

## **Restricted funds – John Goldman Fellowships 2022** 

The Charity received funds from a variety of sources to support the annual John Goldman Fellowships in 2021. 

## **Restricted funds – Research grants** 

The Charity received funds from a variety of source to support the Charity’s research grants. 

## **Designated funds – IMPACT** 

The IMPACT designated fund is to fund the IMPACT clinical trial, a collaborative project with Anthony Nolan, NHSBT, and the University of Birmingham. The agreement was signed early 2017, with funding split over several years originally to 31st December 2021 but now extended. The amount set aside in designated funds is the maximum grant available over the grant term. 

**66     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022** 



|**Restricted funds**<br>Project/support grants<br>John Goldman<br>Fellowships 2020<br>John Goldman<br>Fellowships 2021<br>Research grants<br>**Total restricted funds**<br>**Designated funds**<br>IMPACT<br>**Total designated funds**<br>**General funds**<br>**Total funds**|**Funds**<br>**brought**<br>**forward**<br>**2021 £**<br>7,677<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>7,677<br>333,974<br>333,974<br>2,967,684<br>3,309,335|**Income**<br>**in year**<br>**2021 £**<br>1,500<br>107,500<br>8,941<br>7,000<br>124,941<br>-<br>-<br>1,492,646<br>1,617,587|**Expenditure**<br>**in year**<br>**2021 £**<br>(9,177)<br>-<br>(8,941)<br>(7,000)<br>(25,118)<br>(250,482)<br>(250,482)<br>(1,443,802)<br>(1,719,402)|**Net gains/**<br>**(losses) on**<br>**revaluation**<br>**2021 £**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>306,372<br>306,372|**Transfers**<br>**between**<br>**funds**<br>**2021 £**<br>-<br>(107,500)<br>-<br>-<br>(107,500)<br>-<br>-<br>107,500<br>-|_Funds_<br>_carried_<br>_forward_<br>_2021 £_<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||-|
|||||||_83,492_|
|||||||_83,492_|
|||||||_3,430,400_|
|||||||_3,513,892_|



**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022     67** 



## 17. Analysis of net assets between funds 

|Fixed assets<br>Current assets<br>Current liabilities<br>Non-current liabilities<br>**Total net assets**<br>Fixed assets<br>Current assets<br>Current liabilities<br>Non-current liabilities<br>**Total net assets**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds 2022 £**<br>2,884,924<br>2,295,761<br>(1,687,982)<br>(706,736)<br>2,785,967<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds 2021 £**<br>3,347,921<br>2,250,299<br>(1,883,776)<br>(200,552)<br>3,513,892|**Restricted**<br>**funds 2022 £**<br>-<br>170,154<br>-<br>-<br>170,154<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds 2021 £**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Total funds**<br>**2022 £**<br>**2,884,924**<br>**2,465,915**<br>**(1,687,982)**<br>**(706,736)**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**2,956,121**|
||||_Total funds_<br>_2021 £_<br>3,347,921<br>2,250,299<br>(1,883,776)<br>(200,552)|
||||3,513,892|



## 18. Analysis of changes in net debt 

|**Cash and cash equivalents**<br>Cash at bank<br>**Cash and cash equivalents**<br>Cash at bank|**As at 1 Jan**<br>**2022 £**<br>1,883,428<br>1,883,428<br>**As at 1 Jan**<br>**2021 £**<br>2,123,396<br>2,123,396|**Cash**<br>**fows £**<br>(186,407)<br>(186,407)<br>**Cash**<br>**fows £**<br>(239,968)<br>(239,968)|**Other**<br>**movements £**<br>-<br>-<br>**Other**<br>**movements £**<br>-<br>-|**As at 31 Dec**<br>**2022 £**<br>1,697,021|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||1,697,021|
|||||_As at 31 Dec_<br>_2021 £_<br>1,883,428|
|||||1,883,428|



**68     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022** 



## 19. Trustee remuneration and donations 

During the year, no Trustees received reimbursement of expenses or remuneration (2021 - £NIL). 

During the year, the Charity received unrestricted donations totalling £360 (2021 - £60) from Trustees. 

## 20. Related party transactions 

During the current year, there were no related party transactions (2021 – £Nil) other than the unrestricted donations noted in note 19 above. 

## 21. Guarantees and secured charges 

As of 31 December 2022 the Charity did not have any outstanding guarantees to third partners nor any debts secured against assets of the Charity (2021 - £NIL). 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022     69** 



## References 

## **Page 2** 

- [Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer  ] 

- [Blood cancer is the third biggest killer  ] 

**https://bloodcancer.org.uk/news/blood-cancer-facts/** 

## **Page 3** 

- [50,000 people in the UK currently living with leukaemia – HMRN Estimated UK prevalence per 100,000 ] https://hmrn.org/statistics/prevalence 

- [Nearly 5000 people die from leukaemia each year – CRUK UK deaths (2017-2019) ] **https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/ leukaemia/mortality** 

## **Page 4** 

- [5000 people die from leukaemia each year - CRUK UK deaths (2017-2019) -   ] **https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/ leukaemia/mortality** 

- [Leukaemia is the most common type of childhood cancer in the under 15s – Public Health England – ] mean number of newly diagnosed cancers in the UK (1997-2016) **http://www.ncin.org.uk/view?rid=4272** 

- [27 people diagnosed with leukaemia each day in the UK (almost 10,000 every year) – CRUK UK ] **- -** 

- incidence (2016-18) - **https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health professional/cancer statistics/ statistics-by-cancer-type/leukaemia/incidence** 

- [50,000 people in the UK are currently living with leukaemia – HMRN prevalence UK estimate -  ] **https://hmrn.org/statistics/prevalence** 

- [56% of British adults can’t recognise the common signs of leukaemia - YouGov poll conducted by Blood ] Cancer UK 

- [Nearly 5000 lives are lost as a result of leukaemia in the UK every year – CRUK UK mortality (2017-19) ] **https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/ leukaemia/mortality** 

- [Leukaemia accounts for 31% of all cancers in the under 15s (the most common childhood cancer) – ] Public Health England – mean number of newly diagnosed cancers in the UK (1997-2016) - **http://www.ncin.org.uk/view?rid=4272** 

- [Over 530 children are diagnosed with leukaemia every year in the UK – CRUK Incidence by age (2016-18) ] **https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/ leukaemia/incidence#heading-One** 

- [38% of leukaemia cases occur in the over-75s – CRUK incidence by age (2016-18) -  ] **https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/ leukaemia/incidence#heading-One** 

- [37% of leukaemia cases are diagnosed in emergency settings. 45% of people diagnosed in this way live ] less than a year after diagnosis - NCIN, Routes to Diagnosis statistics (2006-2016) **http://www.ncin.org.uk/view?rid=3814** 

- [Highest emergency presentation rate for any cancer type is acute lymphoblastic leukaemia - 66% - NCIN, ] Routes to Diagnosis statistics (2006-2016) **http://www.ncin.org.uk/view?rid=3814** 

- [Overall five year survival for leukaemia stands at just over 53% - CRUK five-year age standardised ] **- -** 

- survival in England (2013-2017) - **https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health professional/cancer statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/leukaemia/survival#heading-Zero** 

**70     Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022** 



## **Page 5** 

- [Survival rate for cancer overall has doubled over the last 40 years – CRUK five year survival trends over ] **- -** 

- time in England and Wales (1971-2011) **https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health professional/cancer statistics/survival/all-cancers-combined#heading-One** 

- [Leukaemia survival rate increased by 39 percentage points since 1970s – CRUK five year survival trends ] **-** 

- over time for England and Wales (1971-2011) **https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health professional/ cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/leukaemia/survival#ref-2** 

- [5000 lives lost to leukaemia each year in the UK - CRUK UK deaths (2017-2019) ] **https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/ leukaemia/mortality** 


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Thank you<br>None of Leukaemia UK's work would be possible<br>without our amazing community of supporters,<br>funders, researchers, colleagues and partners. Thank<br>you for your unwavering support and continued<br>enthusiasm throughout 2022. Your commitment to<br>stop leukaemia devastating lives means that together<br>we can continue to accelerate progress in leukaemia<br>diagnosis, treatment and care.<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Section     71** 



## Legal and administrative details 

**Auditors: Moore Kingston Smith** , 9 Appold Street, London, EC2A 2AP 

## **Banks:** 

**Santander** , 100 Ludgate Hill, 1st Floor, London, EC4M 7RE 

**CAF Bank Ltd** , 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ 

**Barclays** , 1 Churchill Place, London, E14 5HP 

**Investment Managers Investec** , 30 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7QN 

## **Solicitors** 

**CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP** , Cannon Place, 78 Cannon Street, London, EC4N 6AF 


26 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5BL **Web:** www.leukaemiauk.org.uk **Email:** info@leukaemiauk.org.uk 

**Charity Number:** 1154856 

**Leukaemia UK** Annual Report 2022 **Accounts 2022     72**