2024 ANNUAL REVIEW
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
mastcellaction.org
Mast Cell Action is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered in England and Wales with the Registered Charity Number 1164917
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Table Of Contents
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02 03 04 05 06
Welcome and charity information Report of the Trustees Report of the Independent Examiner Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Accounts
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01
Welcome
We are proud of the progress Mast Cell Action has made since its inception, but we are still a young charity needing to concentrate on the basics: building our capability and translating that into support for the community. I'm pleased to say that this last year shows real evidence of progress on both fronts.
In January 2024 we recruited a second member of staff to oversee community activities, enabling Joy to devote more time to building the charity. During the year the number of volunteers has increased from 26 to 42, multiplying our effectiveness.
As above, our prime focus is providing support to the everincreasing number of people affected by Mast Cell Activation Syndrome – a neglected community that will only increase as awareness of what has been an unrecognised disease continues to grow.
Chris Wood, Founding Trustee
Beyond increasing our headcount, a major enabler of our growth has been the receipt of a multi-year £174k grant from the National Lottery. Developing the National Lottery project took a lot of effort, which has been more than repaid by the result in terms of the portfolio of community support it now funds – outlined in more detail in the body of this report.
It demonstrates how effectively we can provide support to the community when money is made available.
Beyond our overall objectives of growth and enhancing that support, during the next year we will be looking to secure other sources of funding to expand our activities in line with the needs of our community.
“Thank you for everything you do, and for helping me feel a little less isolated and alone with MCAS.”
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01
Welcome
The year to 31 March 2024 has been an exceptional one for Mast Cell Action. The security of funding from The National Lottery has enabled the Charity to grow and achieve its goals and objectives in many areas. The introduction of another member of staff and a substantial increase in the number of our dedicated volunteers has meant that there has been focus on areas where capacity restraints have previously been restricted.
Financially, the Charity remains stable, and forecasts for the next 12 months remain positive. The money raised by the 27 Marathons produced a springboard from which many of the activities undertaken have been possible.
We look forward to a bright and prosperous future and exciting growth and development in 2025.
Jackie Fisher Treasurer and Trustee
“Thank you so much for your detailed response to my query, you’ve actually brought me to tears. To have someone understand and send something helpful rather than respond by invalidating my concerns and dismissing me is just an entirely new experience when it comes to reaching out for support with the myriad of symptoms I have. Thank you so much for everything you’ve sent through :) Thanks for the advice and support, I’ll definitely join one of those Zoom meetings too.”
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01
Welcome
Joy Mason, Director of Operations, Engagement and Services
I am filled with immense pride and gratitude as I reflect on the incredible journey we've embarked on with our community over the past year. It's been a year of triumphs, challenges, and above all, transformation.
In the face of unprecedented global challenges, our community has shown resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication. Together, we've reached new heights and achieved milestones that once seemed beyond reach.
From expanding our outreach initiatives to forging groundbreaking collaborations, every achievement stands as a testament to the passion and commitment of our supporters, volunteers, and partners.
Our team is growing at exceptional speed, with a second member of staff now in position and additional administrative support in the form of free-lance support. This additional capacity has enabled us to deliver even more vital services and support for those living with MCAS.
Throughout the year, we've witnessed remarkable progress on multiple fronts. As we celebrate these achievements, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. The road to progress is never easy, and there is still much work to be done.
Yet, with the continued dedication and support of our community, I am confident that we will overcome any obstacles that may arise, and continue to make strides towards our shared vision of a world where mast cell disorders are understood, treated, and ultimately cured.
It is my pleasure to share a selection of our achievements with you.
“Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Mast Cell Action for all the work you do to raise awareness about Mast Cell Activation. The information on the website is so very helpful to share with family and friends and feels like a 'safe space' among all the turmoil this condition brings.” Service user
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Charity information
Mast Cell Action (A Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Legal and administrative information
Charity number 1164917
Registered office Cooper House 6a Hargreaves Street Burnley BB11 1ES Trustees Gawain Paling Chris Wood Eric Grounds Jacqueline Fisher Bankers National Westminster Bank Virgin Money Independent Examiner TT Business Services Limited 3 Burwell Close Rochdale OL12 6DQ
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
The Trustees have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year to 31 March 2024
Structure, Governance and Management
Nature of organisation
Mast Cell Action (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) was registered with the Charity Commissions of England and Wales (Registration Number 1164917) in December 2015.
Our aims and objectives
Our overall objective is to improve the lives of people affected by mast cell disorders. We will achieve this by:
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providing support for all those affected by mast cell activation disorders
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bringing the Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) community together with one unified voice
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working with the medical community to help ensure patients with MCAS receive the best care possible
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promoting increased research into conditions related to mast cell activation lobbying for universal awareness, diagnosis and treatment of MCAS
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educating the wider community, helping to reduce stigma and improve lives for those living with MCAS
Principal activities during the year to 31 March 2024
The charity's activities during the year broadly focused on developing the services, support and resources we offer to those living with MCAS.
Our community have been vocal in telling us that they need more support and it has been our pleasure to be able to meet these vital needs.
“Mia absolutely loves the book and has taken the second copy into school to share with her class as she says it's amazing that Casper knows just how she feels.” Casper pack recipient
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Developing our support for the MCAS community
Our community support has grown significantly this year, in particular we:
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continued to grow and nurture our online support groups
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launched our weekly, virtual peer support sessions
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launched our parent and carer virtual support sessions
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launched virtual sessions including Tai Chi, Yoga and Mindfulness
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continued with the development of resources to support mental health and other aspects of living with mast cell disease.
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grew our social media platforms which helped to reduce isolation in the MCAS community through supportive posts and by encouraging connection.
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further developed support and information materials to be disseminated through multiple platforms.
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launched additional supportive content on our website
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undertook a series of community surveys to fully understand the needs of our beneficiaries
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established our first focus group; MCAS Voices
Last year our volunteers donated more than £89,915 of their time to support the MCAS community.
“I have been looking for months for resources to help explain this to her friends, teachers, counsellors, family, and to her. The website is amazing!! I can't wait to dive into it all. Thank you for being a part of creating these resources for families!” Service user
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The impact of our work
The Trustees are delighted to have received consistent positive feedback and messages of thanks from the community. During this financial year we are proud to have:
Responded to Sent 49 Casper resource packs 2,367 emails “This is amazing!!! So impressed that you have been able to
“This is amazing!!! So impressed that you have been able to put this together, it's just superb, and so helpful!”
Built our virtual support groups to include 4,893 people
Had 199,000 visitors to our website with 36,397 individual downloads of our resources
Built our social media followers to 14,553 with 3,256 of these new this year
“Mast Cell Action so far has been my biggest support and where i go for help and advice. I feel much less alone and know I have somewhere to go when i am really struggling.”
Been astounded at the 1,233 attendances since the launch of our virtual events programme in April 2023
Delivered MCAS training for 140 members of post-COVID multidisciplinary teams.
Received feedback from our community that:
95% attending our mindfulness sessions feel they have improved wellbeing
100% attending our Creatives with MCAS sessions feel less alone in living with MCAS
100% attending our Rest and Unwind sessions feel they have techniques to use to support their mental health and help to manage stress
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The impact of our work
Raised awareness of MCAS with 3,500 members of Sparta Wellbeing
“I have met many amazing people through Mast cell action. I will be forever grateful.”
Presented to a team of 70 at Advocacy Focus, sharing information about the advocacy needs of our community
“Im loving Mast Cell Action weekly groups and always look forward to Thursday evenings. I weekly connect with one of the other members so have made a lovely friend.”
Held a webinar for Healthcare Professionals, with 42 attending
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Were finalists
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CIM Global
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Awards in the
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Recruited 15 new volunteers to support the our vital service and support delivery
“The mindfulness session really helps me to relax and focus and improve my health. It works!”
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Looking forward to FY 2024/5
As we look forward to 2024/5, we intend to further extend our community engagement to meet the needs and priorities of those affected by MCAS through our support, services and resources
We plan to increase our capacity in order to deliver the resulting community initiatives through volunteers and interns
The Trustees intend to continue to diversify our income streams, specifically expanding on our grant funding programme to support specific projects which will have significant impact on the MCAS community.
“Validation is so important, thank you @mastcellaction for all the work you are doing to advocate for people like me.“ Social media follower
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Risk management
The Trustees have reviewed the risks to which a small charity operating with few employees is exposed. Appropriate procedures are in place to identify, monitor and review these risks on a regular basis.
Organisational structure
The Trustees are legally responsible for the CIO. The Trustees meet at least four times annually.
Responsibilities of the Trustees
Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which give a true and fair view of the state of the charity and of its income and expenditure for the year. We are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
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state whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts
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prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
Our aims and objectives
To improve the lives of people affected by mast cell disorders
“It was a space to relax and forget the days troubles. Movement was gentle and nothing felt too much. I am so pleased that Mast Cell Action is offering sessions like this for people like me, I often feel forgotten and alone and being able to come along to different sessions I'd making such a difference for me. It's also nice to have the opportunity to put my worries down and enjoy some me time, forgetting about MCAS and the trouble it causes me for a moment. Thank you Mast Cell Action”
Virtual Qigong session attendee
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Reserves policy
Historically, Mast Cell Action has raised funds in the region of £20,000 p.a. In 2020 the charity was awarded a high-value gift from a community member who specifically earmarked their donation for investment in the charity’s infrastructure, futureproofing and to generate the charity’s fundraising capacity. Consequently, during 2021 and 2022 we built new fundraising resources, developed a case for support, and researched and submitted grant funding opportunities.
This fundraising investment was underway when Mast Cell Action was fortunate to start liaising with a volunteer fundraiser, Scott Fisher. Scott undertook the incredible challenge of completing 27 marathons in 27 days to raise money for Mast Cell Action. Scott was inspired by the 27 pills his wife must take every day to manage her MCAS. Hoping to raise £27k, Scott was thrilled to have surpassed this by thousands, raising an incredible £270k (including Gift Aid). Over 18,000 people donated to Scott’s JustGiving page.
In agreement with Scott, trustees have designated the funds as follows:
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Establish designated reserves of £50,000 to cover 6 months’ running costs in anticipation of our turnover increasing to c£200,000 by 2026/27.
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Drawdown c£23,000k in each of the 3 financial years (2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/5) to support growth (staff, volunteers), project research and development, and match other fundraising from trusts and foundations.
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Establish a research fund with £150k for future research into MCAS.
Despite the fabulous result of Scott’s challenge, the charity’s fundraising activity has really only just begun. We continue to work hard on all fundraising income streams, to support our programme plans and are providing support to community members keen to follow in Scott’s fundraising footsteps. We are realistic, however, that our charity’s income and expenditure and turnover is not going to ‘mushroom’ overnight, but we believe we are putting strong steps in place to build a sustainable future while using Scott’s injection carefully to provide a substantive risk ‘fund’.
“Thanks for this information - it's really helpful. Thank you so much for sharing these resources. They're incredibly helpful and I'm sure they'll make it easier for us to explain the situation to my brother's doctors.
Huge thanks to the team at Mast Cell Action for supporting the MCAS community :-)“
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Historical summary of funds
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted - not designated | £38,280 | £47,206 | £37,073 | £21,532 | £26,529 |
| Unrestricted - designated | £150,000 | £200,000 | £250,000 | £0 | £0 |
| Restricted | £40,450 | £22,772 | £3,200 | £0 | £0 |
“Thank you ever so much! I hadn’t expected this sort of reply considering your charity size (and I can only imagine how busy you are!). Thanks again and thank you for all that you are doing to try and help our community.”
“I just wanted to say the new Mast Cell Action dietary resources are brilliant.”
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Mast Cell Action
Annual Report Year ending March 2024
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
……………………………………………………….
Jackie Fisher Trustee and Treasurer Date: 29.01.2024
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Mast Cell Action
Charity number 1164917
(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Independent Examiner’s report to the trustees of Mast Cell Action for the year ended 31 March 2024
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 15 to 16.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records;
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the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
TT Business Services Limited
3 Burwell Close Rochdale OL12 6DQ
Date: 29.01.2025
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Mast Cell Action
Charity number 1164917
(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Statement of financial activities For the year ending 31 March 2024
| Note | Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Year ended 31/03/24 |
Year ended 31/03/23 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Income from generating funds: Voluntary income |
3 | £24,444.90 | £27,465.26 | £51,910 | £63,309 |
| Total income | £24,444.90 | £27,465.26 | £51,910 | £63,309 | |
| Expenditure Charitable activities |
4 | £89,743.13 | £5,729.01 | £95,472.14 | £83,087 |
| Total expenditure | £89,743.13 | £5729.01 | £95,472.14 | £83,087 | |
| Net movement in funds for the year |
(£65,298.23) | £21,736.25 | (£43,562.14) | £19,778 | |
| Total funds brought forward | £248,612.73 | £21,614 | £270,226.73 | £289,756 | |
| Total funds carried forward | £183,314.50 | £43,350.25 | £226,664.75 | £289,756 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 17 to 20 form part of these financial statements.
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Mast Cell Action
Charity number 1164917
(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Balance sheet as at 31 March 2024
| Current assets | Note | 31 March 2024 | 31 March 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash at bank and in hand | £223,854 | £271,746 | |
| Debtors | £6,117 | £0 | |
| Total | £229,971 | £271,746 | |
| Note | 31 March 2024 | 31 March 2023 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
6 | £1,241 | £1,768 |
| Note | 31 March 2024 | 31 March 2023 | |
| Net current assets | £228,730 | £269,978 | |
| Net Assets | £228,730 | £269,978 | |
| Funds | Note | 31 March 2024 | 31 March 2023 |
| Restricted funds | 7 | £40,450 | £22,772 |
| Unrestricted funds | 8 | £38,280 | £47,206 |
| Designated funds | 9 | £150,000 | £200,000 |
| Total | £228,730 | £269,978 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Jackie Fisher Treasurer Date: 29.01.2025
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Mast Cell Action
Charity number 1164917
(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Notes to financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2024
1 Charity status
Mast Cell Action is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England and Wales, number 1164917. The registered office is 6 Willes Terrace, Leamington Spa, CV31 1DL.
Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £Nil towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.
2 Accounting policies
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) in October 2019, the Charities Act 2011 and the UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
Basis of preparation
Mast Cell Action meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
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Mast Cell Action
Charity number 1164917
(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Notes to financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2024
Basis of preparation
Mast Cell Action meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) in October 2019, the Charities Act 2011 and the UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement
The charity opted to early adopt Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016 and have therefore not included a cash flow statement in these financial statements.
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including independent examination, strategic management and trustees’ meetings and reimbursed expenses.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees' discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
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Mast Cell Action
Charity number 1164917
(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
| 3 Income | Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Total 2024 | Total 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donations Gift Aid Recovered National Lottery grant Postcode Places grant |
£24,945 £2,433 - - |
- - £27,465 - |
£24,445 £1,275 £27,465 - |
£41,987 £1,158 £9,770 £10,394 |
| Total | £2,433 | £27,465 | £53,185 | £63,309 |
| 4 Charitable activities | Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Total 2024 | Total 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employee costs Charity management and administration Conference and event costs Consultancy Expenditure on raising funds IT and hosting services Independent examination Medical journal Print, design, postage and stationery Sundry expenses Telephone costs Travel, accommodation and room hire Website design and maintenance Insurance Donations made Equipment Subscriptions Virtual events Bank charges |
£45,945 - £2,208 £28,845 £900 £1,693 £600 - £732 £420 £95 £5,105 - £509 - £1,905 £2,051 £1,509 £7 |
- - - - - - - - £1,197 - - - - - - - - £285 - |
£45,945 - £2,208 £28,845 £900 £1,693 £600 - £1,929 £420 £95 £5,105 - £509 - £1,905 £2,051 £1,794 £7 |
£33,967 £289 £4,518 £30,400 £928 £1,125 £600 £2,100 £947 £5,584 - £1,480 £293 £346 £500 - - - - |
| Total | £92,524 | £1,482 | £94,006 | £83,087 |
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Mast Cell Action
Charity number 1164917
(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Notes to financial statements
for the year ending 31 March 2024
5 Trustees’ remuneration and expenses
As allowed by the Charity Governing Document, the trustees were reimbursed for expenses incurred on behalf of charitable activities.
| 6 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year | Year ending 31/03/2024 |
Year ending 31/03/2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Trade creditors Social security and other creditors |
£600 £1,168 |
£600 |
| Total | £1,768 | £600 |
| 7 Restricted Funds | Balance at 1 April 2023 |
Incoming resources |
Resources expended |
Balance at 31 March 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General fund | £3,200 | £34,164 | £15,750 | £21,614 |
| Total | £3,200 | £34,164 | £15,750 | £21,614 |
| 8 Unrestricted Funds | Balance at 1 April 2023 |
Incoming resources |
Resources expended |
Balance at 31 March 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General fund | £286,556 | £29,145 | £67,337 | £248,364 |
| Total | £286,556 | £29,145 | £67,337 | £248,364 |
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Mast Cell Action
Charity number 1164917
(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Notes to financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2024
9 Designated funds
Designated reserves of £50,000 to cover 6 months’ running costs in anticipation of our turnover increasing to c£200,000 by 2026/27.
Designated funds of £69k for cash flow during 2024/25 in anticipation of further growth in activities and staffing.
Designated funds of £150k to be used for future research into MCAS, in partnership with other research collaborators, in accordance with the purpose of funds raised by Marathons for Mast Cell.
10 Controlling parties
In the opinion of the trustees there is no single ultimate controlling party of the charity.
11 Taxation
The CIO is a registered charity and is, therefore, exempt from taxation.
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A final note on my gratitude to this charity for providing the new webinars, classes and weekly Zoom sessions. This support has made a big difference to me, especially 'meeting' others with MCAS. Community survey responder
This group has been an utter lifesaver for me………..so less alone is a total understatement, this is a vital life line S💜 thank you for being there when much in this world makes us feel mislead and unheard.
Thank you for existing as an organization. Just seeing the instagram stories about symptoms and triggers is validating and makes me feel supported.
“Really appreciate all your work and all your exciting new support initiatives, looking forward to others coming in the pipeline!”