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2025-03-31-accounts

Cabaret vs Cancer Report and Financial Statements Year ending 31st March 2025

Charity registration number: 1167819

Margins Accounting Services Ltd 111 Harbour Way Folkestone CT20 1NA

Contents

Reference and Administrative Information .................................................................................. 4 Trustees ................................................................................................................................. 4 Registered Address ................................................................................................................ 4 Website .................................................................................................................................. 4 Accountant ............................................................................................................................. 4 Chair’s Review ........................................................................................................................... 5 Report of the Trustees ............................................................................................................... 6 Structure, Governance and Management ............................................................................... 6 Trustees ................................................................................................................................. 6 Decision Making ..................................................................................................................... 7 Objectives and Activities ......................................................................................................... 7 The purposes of the charity .................................................................................................... 7 Contribution made by volunteers ............................................................................................ 7 Achievements and Performance ................................................................................................ 9 Grants Awarded ........................................................................................................................10 Dragonfly Cancer Trust .........................................................................................................10 St Joseph’s Hospice ..............................................................................................................11 Anthony Nolan .......................................................................................................................11 OUTPatients ..........................................................................................................................12 Cancer Care ..........................................................................................................................12 Max the Brave .......................................................................................................................12 The Loss Foundation .............................................................................................................12 Young Lives vs Cancer ..........................................................................................................12 The Lennox Children’s Charity Fund .....................................................................................12 Sage Therapy ........................................................................................................................12 Boost .....................................................................................................................................13 Macmillan Cancer Support ....................................................................................................13 Cancer Research UK .............................................................................................................13 Small Gifts .............................................................................................................................13 Sponsorship ..........................................................................................................................14 Live Events ............................................................................................................................15 Ashes to Ashes ..................................................................................................................15

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Benny’s Festive Package ...................................................................................................15 Fundraising ........................................................................................................................16 Auctions ................................................................................................................................17 Special Relationships ................................................................................................................18 Financial Overview ....................................................................................................................19 Income ..................................................................................................................................19 Expenditure ...........................................................................................................................19 Risk Management .....................................................................................................................20 Plans for the Future ..................................................................................................................20 Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities ....................................................................................21 Independent Examiner’s Report ................................................................................................22 Statement of Financial Activities ...............................................................................................23 Balance Sheet...........................................................................................................................24 Notes to the Financial Statements.............................................................................................25 Notes to the Financial Statements.............................................................................................26 Notes to the Financial Statements.............................................................................................27

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Reference and Administrative Information

Trustees

Elisabeth Hannah, Chair of Trustees and Founder Mason Ball, Trustee Viphakonh Anita Johnson, Trustee

Registered Address

624 Rayleigh Road Leigh on Sea SS9 5HU

Website

www.cabaretvscancer.co.uk

Accountant

Margins Accounting Services Ltd 111 Harbour Way Folkestone CT20 1NA

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Chair’s Review

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Welcome to the 2024/25 Cabaret vs Cancer Annual Report.

It’s with massive pride that I look back on another incredible year, where Cabaret vs Cancer made a difference to the life of so many people.

Over the past 12 months, we’ve awarded more than £50,000 in grants to our partner organisations—funding vital projects such as a new blood fridge for stem cell charity Anthony Nolan, and providing respite breaks for families across the South East. The grants we provide life-changing support which is made possible through your support.

Our progress is only possible because of you —our passionate volunteers, generous supporters, and tireless collaborators. Whether you've donated, performed, shared our story, or helped behind the scenes, your contribution has driven everything we’ve achieved this year.

Looking ahead, 2026 marks our 10th anniversary , and we’re already dreaming big. We want to make it a truly special year—one that honours the incredible journey we’ve been on and celebrates everything we’ve achieved together. Most importantly, we want to mark this milestone by reaching even more people and making an even greater impact.

Thank you for making Cabaret vs Cancer everything that it is and the difference that we can make, we look forward to celebrating our 10th birthday with you.

Elisabeth Hannah

Founder and Chair of Board of Trustees

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Report of the Trustees

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2025. The financial statements comply with the charity’s trust deed, the Charities Act 1993 and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities.

Structure, Governance and Management

Cabaret vs Cancer operates as a Constitution of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. We have been operating as a registered charity since June 2016.

Trustees

At any one time there must be a minimum of three charity Trustees. There has been no change in our Board of Trustees and in line with our constitution there is no remuneration paid to Trustees.

If any of the Trustees step down from the Board, a recruitment and selection process for a new Trustee will take place. Future Trustees will be required to serve a 6-month probationary period. This allows the new Trustee and the existing Trustees the opportunity to evaluate their decision. On completion of the probationary period the position will be confirmed for a period of 3 years, which may be renewable, by mutual agreement.

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Decision Making

The Board of Trustees meet and consult regularly; they hold ultimate responsibility for the Charity. It agrees the strategy and direction of the charity and confirms grant donations and key financial issues. Day to day management and administration of Cabaret vs Cancer is delegated to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, in the role of Chief Executive Officer. The charity has no employees.

Objectives and Activities

Over the period of these accounts Cabaret vs Cancer awarded grants which met the Charity’s overarching purpose.

The purposes of the charity

Contribution made by volunteers

Our nationwide network of Ambassadors and supporters is the heartbeat of Cabaret vs Cancer . From collecting donations and organising events to supporting the Board of Trustees as we grow, their efforts are vital in expanding our reach.

Every event we produce depends on the incredible dedication of our volunteers—both on stage and behind the scenes . From dazzling drag queens to West End singers, international burlesque stars to elite circus performers, it’s their time, talent, and generosity that make our work possible.

A special thank you also goes to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern and our Patron Dave Cross , who continue to stage fantastic fundraising events including themed quizzes, Kate Bush cabaret, and the ever-popular May the Fierce Be With You Star Wars extravaganza.

This year, we were honoured to be invited to take part in a special night of cabaret and laughter in memory of Trixi Tassels —a much loved, and much missed, burlesque performer.

In July 2024, beloved venue Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club closed its doors. We were proud to support its epic send-off with a fundraising raffle.

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Gallifrey Cabaret, Doctor Who–themed cabaret raised OUT OF THIS WORLD amounts in 2025/26, over £4,000 , with some match funding secured in December 2024.

The Cabaret vs Cancer volunteers are everywhere: selling raffle tickets front of house, performing on stage, or working tirelessly behind the scenes. We are humbled by their commitment to the charity.

To all our volunteers— thank you . We can’t do this without you.

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Achievements and Performance

Cabaret vs Cancer awards grants that directly support our mission and support those affected by a cancer diagnosis and navigate grief.

Grants are distributed twice a year , in June and December , in line with our governance. Exceptional grants may be awarded outside this cycle, subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The Board also reviews and agrees on the value of each grant awarded.

During the 2024/25 financial year, £50,505 in grants was awarded—funding a diverse range of initiatives.

----- Start of picture text -----
2024/25 Grants
Cancer Gifts |
Cancer Care SSC‘
OUTPatients J—S—CSSCisC
Anthony Nolan Cancer SSS
Sage Massage SSC‘
Shine Cancer Support J—S—CSSCisC
Max the Brave a
Dragon Fly Trust DO—SCC‘(N
Lennox SSCs
Young lives cancer SSC‘
Loss Foundation SCS
Boost a
Cancer Research SSCs
Macmillan SSCs
St Joseph's SCS
£- £1,000 £2,000 £3,000 £4,000 £5,000 £6,000 £7,000 £8,000
----- End of picture text -----

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Grants Awarded

Dragonfly Cancer Trust

Our grants to Dragonfly Cancer Trust provide support to siblings of children with cancer, and those to losing a close relative with cancer, with a focus on memory boxes.

Grants have enabled enhancement of the contents and presentation of these boxes and special gifts.

"I remember the cuddly toy that was in there with the voice recorder in it. L has 2 nieces and a nephew who would have been 6, 3 and 1. I remember our intentions were for L to record a message but that was really difficult each time we tried. It was really upsetting so we got a really close friend to record part of one of his favourite songs from Toy story. L wanted a certain part which was from the song You Got a Friend in Me. The children still have them and it is always lovely when they hear it playing on something and say this is on the teddy from uncle L. E, who is the oldest, tells everyone her uncle L got her Teddy to sing that for her. The little ones are so proud of them. These teddies give them so much comfort and they always love telling the story behind them.”

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St Joseph’s Hospice

Our grants continue to build on the work of previous years and the ongoing improvements and embedding of the Elephant Kits.

Anthony Nolan

We have purchased a blood fridge for the new Stem Cell Centre in Nottingham for Anthony Nolan, this will ensure the staff storage of life saving stem cells.

The fridge can hold up to 6 stem cell samples at once, safely storing both the cells and any related blood samples after testing. This secure fridge has a digilock and a temperature monitoring system with alerts, keeping the cells in ideal condition until a personal courier transfers them to the patient or researcher. Its secure storage ensures we meet all safety and regulatory standards, making it essential for the center - without these fridges, the cells would not be able to survive the journey to the patient.

The fridges will be permanent additions to the centre and will last for many years - receiving annual maintenance to ensure they are working well and meeting all the specifications.

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OUTPatients

This incredible charity provides support to the LGBTQ+ community when dealing with cancer diagnosis, aftercare and support.

Cancer Care

We were approached by Cancer care, Cumbria, who were looking for a grant of £3,000 to provide food and supplies for their after-school club. This club brings together young people who are dealing with cancer in the family, and it was important that this free afterschool club brough these young people together to support them as they navigate grief.

Max the Brave

This small group provide birthday cakes and presents to children with cancer who are too sick to leave the hospital. Your contribution would ensure The Loss Foundation every individual seeking support receives care from our upcoming This small charity provides support for anyone dealing with the loss intake of volunteers who are of a relative or friend due to cancer. trained, supported, and ready to make a difference. Young Lives vs Thank you for your wonderful support of children, young Cancer people and their families struggling with the costs of cancer. Our grants are used to provide financial support to young cancer patients and their families. ~~ee —_~~ The Lennox Children’s Charity Fund Our grant provides funding for three families to have a respite break during cancer treatment.

Sage Therapy

This small grant provides massage therapy for palliative care patients in Leeds. With the support of your grant, I have been able to dedicate my time to providing Ayurvedic massage therapy and safe space to cancer clients. A total of 23 treatments, this therapy has had a profound impact on their well-being, offering much-needed relief and comfort during their challenging journeys. ~~L_~~

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Boost

This small company in Cornwall produces modern breast forms for women following a mastectomy. Our grants allow for the operation of a voucher scheme for women who are unable to afford the costs of these life changing, breast forms.

we really appreciate the opportunity that this funding provides!

Macmillan Cancer Support

We know the impact each grant can have and how life changing it can be for that person – so thank you.

Grants awarded are directed to the grant giving fund of Macmillan. This ensures our grants are used to support those who need financial aid while being treated for cancer.

Cancer Research UK

Grants awarded to CRUK are used to fund research into cancer and advance treatments.

Small Gifts

A number of gifts with value under £100 were purchased via Cancer Pals, Ashgate Hospice and others, through direct contact and recommendation.

thank you so very much for your incredibly kind purchase of the books from our Wish List

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Sponsorship

For the second year running, a team, from the City of London Corporation took part in the Santa in the City run, and joint cake sale, raising over £2,000.

We also staged our second Fire Walk (the last being in 2020, just days before lock down) which raised over £15,000. A massive thank you to Signature Brewery, Black Horse Lane and Blaze for facilitating this incredible night of fundraising.

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Live Events

Ashes to Ashes

We were delighted to stage two nights of Ashes to Ashes event at Wilton’s Music Hall in the summer of 2024, as always, an amazing couple of nights and we are grateful to all the team and venue, we are also supported by PRS Charity, giving a discount for our music license. Thank you to the amazing performers, musicians and crew who work so hard on these two nights.

Benny’s Festive Package

Our annual festive event, Benny’s Festive Package, was held in December at Walthamstow trades Hall, produced by Beyond the Cabaret.

This event featured our ICONIC raffle!

Our amazing cast and crew did a fantastic job, and we’re grateful to Santa for taking the time out of his busy diary to give out presents and take photos!

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Fundraising

A special thanks to all of our fundraisers, whether you knitted or walked on FIRE , bought a raffle ticket, entered a quiz , our bought a show ticket , this was raised thanks to YOU!

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Auctions

The charity ran a number of online auctions to help raise vital funds for the work of the charity.

We are grateful for the support of David Lynch, Kate Bush, Mark Gatiss, Kim Wilde, Katie Manning, Duffy Archives, Brian Herring, Belinda Carlise, Toby Whithouse, Anthony Head and all our creators and makers for their support and donations, as well as to Dave Cross and Jason Ford who give so much to make these auctions a success .

Watching Cabaret vs Cancer grow from strength to strength has been a joy and helping raise funds for their vital work has been an honour. Rose and her team have built something rare: a community that’s not just inspiring, but lifeaffirming. And it’s wonderful to be a small part of that.”

Jason Ford, Ambassador

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Special Relationships

This year, the Trustees have continued to build relationships with key staff at our main beneficiaries. We continue to benefit from several charity benefits, including a Pro Account membership for Canva; a Pro Account membership for Linktree, and many charitable discounts and physical donations from various suppliers of auction lots and raffle prizes.

We are delighted to have been featured in the newsletter produced by St Jospeh’s Hospice.

Our Founder, Elisabeth Hannah, was awarded Silver in the Charity Champion category of the Best Businesswomen awards.

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Financial Overview

Income

Overall, the income trends have remained stable, however it remains a very challenging time for small charities, and we value every donation we get. The trends seem to be broadly following a pattern, and we will continue to monitor with the Board.

A few key points in relation to 24/25

----- Start of picture text -----
Income Trends 24/25
18000
16000
14000
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR
INCOME TRENDS 22/23 INCOME TRENDS 23/24
INCOME TRENDS 24/25
----- End of picture text -----

Expenditure

Administrative costs can be attributed to the need to buy auction lots and use these for profit and raise income, during this cost-of-living crisis it is harder to get free donations from makers and creators, however auction bids start and raise more than price paid so the charity is still raising money.

Our David Bowie online shop continues to produce steady profit, we have also opened accounts with wholesale suppliers to ensure that we are buying auction and raffle prizes at the lowest price, enabling maximum profit. We are also able to take advantage of wholesale prizes to stock other licensed items such as Bowie socks.

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The trend of postage increases this year; however all auction winners and shoppers pay for insured shipping. All parcels are shipped fully insured to protect the charity from financial loss due to transit issues, and claims from the Royal Mail have all been successful.

Risk Management

The trustees have a risk management strategy that highlights key risks. This strategy indicates the principal risk the charity faces is financial stability due to a decline in donations.

Plans for the Future

The Trustees’ overarching intention is that Cabaret vs Cancer should continue to provide grants in line with our purpose; supported by our fundraising community and to the benefit of others. ➢ 2026 is our 10[th] Birthday and we are looking to take on some PR support to maximise the milestone

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, and the impact of the global world economy, we expect the current trend to continue. However, our grants can go to those who most need our support and are making an impact.

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Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that 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, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s Trustees

E Hannah M Ball Elizabeth Hannah Mason Ball 30/07/25 30/07/25

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Independent Examiner’s Report

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an Independent Examination is needed. The charity’s gross income exceeded £25,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Association of Accounting Technicians

It’s my responsibility to:

Basis of the independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those set out in the statements below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements

Signed:

Date: 02 September 2025

Antoinnette Kudjoe-Flood MAAT Margins Accounting Services Ltd 111 Harbour Way Folkestone CT20 1NA

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Statement of Financial Activities

For The Year Ended 31 March 2025

Notes Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Total
funds
Prior year
funds
£ £ £ £
Incoming resources 2 2025 2025 2025 2024
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 58,534 - 58,534 57,052
Charitable activities 14,470 - 14,470 8,640
Investments 229 - 229 184
Total 73,232 - 73,232 65,876
Resources expended 3
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 8,227 - 8,227 1,922
Charitable activities 57,151 - 57,151 59,096
Total 65,378 - 65,378 61,018
Net income/(expenditure) before
investment gains/(losses)
7,854 - 7,854 4,858
Net gains/(losses) on investments - - - -
Net income/(expenditure) 7,854 - 7,854 4,858
Net movement in funds 7,854 - 7,854 4,858
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 30,557 - 30,557 25,699
Total funds carried forward 38,411 - 38,411 30,557

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Balance Sheet

For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Notes
Current Assets
Cash at Bank and in Hand
Creditors
Amounts due in one year
7
Net Current Assets
Net Assets
Restricted Funds
General Funds
Total Funds
2025
£
39,793
1,382
38,411
38,411
38,411
38,411
2024
£
32,077
1,520
30,557
30,557
30,557
30,557

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Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1 Accounting Policies

a. Basis of preparation

These accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Charities Act 2011.

b. Income

All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

c. Expenditure

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. The irrecoverable element of VAT is included with the item of expense to which it relates.

d. Funds accounting

Unrestricted general funds are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Directors. Restricted funds are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restriction arises when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

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Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

2 Income

2 Income
Donations
Other
Interest
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
2025
2025
2025
2024
£
£
£
£
58,534
-
58,534
57,052
14,470
-
14,470
8,640
229
-
229
184
73,232
-
73,232
65,876

3 Expenditure of Charitable Activities

Fundraising Activities
Administrative Expenses
Governance Cost
Grants
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
8,227
-
8,227
5,696
-
5,696
950
-
950
Total
2024
£
1,922
8,151
800
50,505
-
50,505
50,145
65,378
-
65,378
61,018
4 Analysis of Governance Costs
Accountancy fees
Independent examination
2025
2024
£
£
650
600
300
200
950
800

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Notes to the Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

6 Grant Making
Anthony Nolan Cancer
Boost
Cancer is a Drag
Cancer Research
Dragonfly Cancer
Lennox Children's Cancer Fund
Macmillan
Sage Massage
Sundry
Max the Brave
St Joseph's Hospice
Cumbria Cancer Care
The Loss Foundation
Shine Cancer Support
Young Lives vs Cancer
2025 2024
£
-
2,000
2,000
5,000
9,000
3,120
5,000
-
2,525
-
8,500
-
5,000
-
8,000
50,145
£
7,000
1,000
-
4,500
6,000
3,120
4,500
2,000
385
1,000
5,000
3,000
5,000
5,000
3,000
50,505

7 Creditors

Trade Creditors 2025
£
1,382
2024
£
1,520

8 TRUSTEE REMUNERATION

None of the Trustees received remuneration or reimbursed expenses during the year.

9 GOING CONCERN

In common with a number of charities of similar size, Cabaret vs Cancer’s ability to continue is a going concern for the foreseeable future, and depends on its ability to secure grants and donations.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and the trustees believe no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have therefore concluded that it remains appropriate to prepare the accounts on a going concern basis.

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