REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1168194
Report of the Trustees and
Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
for
Sophie's Journey
Sophie's Journey
Contents of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 3 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 4 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 6 | ||
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 7 | to | 12 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 13 | to | 14 |
Sophie's Journey
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The principal aim of the charity is to provide free holidays to children and adults with cancer in Lincolnshire.
Public benefit
The trustees have regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and always ensure that activities which we undertake are in line with our charitable objects and aims.
Volunteers
The Charity is grateful to numerous volunteers who offer their time in furtherance of the Charity's objectives.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
We have been able to help approximately 240 families in the current year with stays at our caravans at Golden Sands Holiday Park in Mablethorpe taking our total number to 1,035 since the charity was established. The caravans have been in operation throughout the season, however support has been continuous throughout the period.
Fundraising activities
Throughout the year, we have continued to hold our usual events such as: raffles, tombolas, our annual ball, a Christmas market, fun runs, and family nights. Once again, we were charity of the year for the Lincoln 10k, and we were also the chosen charity for a Daisy Made Farm event. This year, we were also chosen as Lincoln's Marks and Spencer's charity of the year. We brought back the skydive event and have attended several local events with our stall to raise awareness and donations on the day.
This has helped to raise an amount in excess of £41,000.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
The Trustees have established a policy whereby the free reserves, that being the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets, held by the charity, should be equivalent to approximately 3 months resources expended, which equates to approximately £19,000 in general funds. At this level, the Trustees feel that they would be able to continue running the organisation in the event of a loss of all funding sources. At 31 March 2025 the free reserves were £163,852 and as such above the targeted level, however the Trustees continue to monitor funds available.
Going concern
The ongoing support from donations and fundraising events has helped us to remain in a surplus position and as such, the Trustees believe the charity is a going concern. We aim to continue to develop streams of income to aid our sustainability through future fundraising events. We wish to thank each individual who supported the charity this year.
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Sophie's Journey
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025
FUTURE PLANS
In November 2024, we opened our first Charity Shop in Lincoln selling pre-loved items, which is now the home of Sophie's Journey giving families the chance to drop in for a chat. Stacy continues to support the families within the community offering support and advice.
The charity is looking to raise funds to purchase a lodge/property in another part of Lincolnshire. This lodge/property will enable the families to go on holiday to an alternative location that’s more comfortable and closer to local hospitals to help provide any care they may need. It will also become the first palliative care break for adults and children affected by cancer who have sadly been given a life expectancy of 12 months or less.
We are also looking to purchase a van which will enable us to collect items for the charity shop and use for events.
This will be a stepping stone into our overall aim of supporting families with free holidays across Lincolnshire.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its constitution and represents an unincorporated charity.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The existing board of trustees were individually appointed on the strength of their respective background and an obvious enthusiasm and commitment to support the company on an ongoing basis. As set out in the Articles of Association, the board may from time to time and at any time appoint a new trustee to join. The decision to elect new trustees to the board is based upon the availability of suitable candidates with a requisite skills base together with an acknowledgement by the board that additional support would be beneficial in order to assist in the company's development.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
1168194
Principal address
246 Newark Road Lincoln Lincolnshire LN6 8RP
Trustees
S Southwell (resigned 30.11.24) B Robinson S Broadley (resigned 30.11.24) A Marshall N Gallop (appointed 27.6.25)
Independent Examiner
Steve Robinson Nicholsons Chartered Accountants Newland House The Point Weaver Road LINCOLN Lincolnshire LN6 3QN
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Sophie's Journey
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 13 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
N Gallop - Trustee
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Sophie's Journey
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Sophie's Journey
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Sophie's Journey (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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 material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do 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.
Steve Robinson
Nicholsons Chartered Accountants Newland House The Point Weaver Road LINCOLN Lincolnshire LN6 3QN
17 December 2025
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Sophie's Journey
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 51,084 Other trading activities 2 41,102 Total 92,186 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds Raising donations and legacies 3 18,036 Other trading activities 27,155 45,191 Charitable activities Caravan Usage 16,025 Total 61,216 NET INCOME 30,970 Transfers between funds 8 4,295 Net movement in funds 35,265 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 155,703 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 190,968 |
Restricted fund £ 19,641 - 19,641 189 15,157 15,346 - 15,346 4,295 (4,295) - - - |
2025 Total funds £ 70,725 41,102 111,827 18,225 42,312 60,537 16,025 76,562 35,265 - 35,265 155,703 190,968 |
2024 Total funds £ 26,162 48,758 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74,920 | |||
| 20,576 11,716 |
|||
| 32,292 13,330 |
|||
| 45,622 | |||
| 29,298 - |
|||
| 29,298 126,405 |
|||
| 155,703 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Sophie's Journey
Balance Sheet
31 March 2025
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 6 27,116 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank 165,905 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 7 (2,053) NET CURRENT ASSETS 163,852 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 190,968 NET ASSETS 190,968 FUNDS 8 Unrestricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Restricted fund £ - - - - - - |
2025 Total funds £ 27,116 165,905 (2,053) 163,852 190,968 190,968 190,968 190,968 |
2024 Total funds £ 29,745 127,934 (1,976) 125,958 155,703 155,703 155,703 155,703 |
|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 13 December 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
N Gallop - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Sophie's Journey
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the 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) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Legacies
For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the charity that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution.
Donated Goods (Pre-Loved Items for Resale)
The Charity receives donations of pre-loved items which are sold in the charity shop. Most donated items are not recognised as income or inventory when received, as their fair value cannot be measured reliably. Income from donated goods is therefore recognised at the point of sale, based on the proceeds received.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation, or in cases where fixed assets have been donated, at valuation at the time of acquisition less depreciation.
Depreciation
Depreciation is charged on all tangible fixed assets other than freehold land as follows:
| Freehold Property | 15% reducing balance |
|---|---|
| Computer Equipment | 20% reducing balance |
| Fixtures and Fittings | 15% reducing balance |
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
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Sophie's Journey
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 March 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Fund accounting
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
| 2. | OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Fundraising events | 23,148 | 48,758 | ||
| Shop income | 17,954 | - | ||
| 41,102 | 48,758 | |||
| 3. | RAISING DONATIONS AND LEGACIES | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Storage fees | - | 1,690 | ||
| Support costs | 18,225 | 18,886 | ||
| 18,225 | 20,576 | |||
| 4. | SUPPORT COSTS | |||
| Governance | ||||
| Management | costs | Totals | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Raising donations and legacies | 16,156 | 2,069 | 18,225 |
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Sophie's Journey
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 March 2025
4. SUPPORT COSTS - continued
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
Management
| 2025 Raising donations and legacies £ Insurance 672 Postage and stationery 142 Advertising 9,288 Sundries 1,419 Depreciation of tangible and heritage assets 4,635 16,156 Governance costs 2025 Raising donations and legacies £ Accountancy and legal fees 1,569 Independent examiner fees 500 2,069 |
2024 Total activities £ 227 467 10,424 571 5,277 16,966 2024 Total activities £ 1,420 500 1,920 |
|---|---|
5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.
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Sophie's Journey
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 March 2025
6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Fixtures Freehold and property fittings £ £ COST At 1 April 2024 70,948 115 Additions - 1,906 At 31 March 2025 70,948 2,021 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2024 41,970 - Charge for year 4,347 154 At 31 March 2025 46,317 154 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 24,631 1,867 At 31 March 2024 28,978 115 7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Taxation and social security Other creditors 8. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement At 1.4.24 in funds £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 155,703 30,970 Restricted funds Restricted fund - 4,295 TOTAL FUNDS 155,703 35,265 |
Computer equipment £ 1,986 100 2,086 1,334 134 1,468 618 652 2025 £ 478 1,575 2,053 Transfers between funds £ 4,295 (4,295) - |
Totals £ 73,049 2,006 75,055 43,304 4,635 47,939 27,116 29,745 2024 £ - 1,976 1,976 At 31.3.25 £ 190,968 - |
Totals £ 73,049 2,006 |
Totals £ 73,049 2,006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75,055 | ||||
| 43,304 4,635 |
||||
| 47,939 | ||||
| 27,116 | ||||
| 29,745 | ||||
| 2024 £ - 1,976 |
||||
| 1,976 | ||||
| 190,968 |
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Sophie's Journey
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 March 2025
8. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 92,186 Restricted funds Restricted fund 19,641 TOTAL FUNDS 111,827 Comparatives for movement in funds At 1.4.23 £ Unrestricted funds General fund 126,405 TOTAL FUNDS 126,405 Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General fund 74,920 TOTAL FUNDS 74,920 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (61,216) 30,970 (15,346) 4,295 (76,562) 35,265 Net movement At in funds 31.3.24 £ £ 29,298 155,703 29,298 155,703 Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (45,622) 29,298 (45,622) 29,298 |
|---|---|
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted fund TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.4.23 £ 126,405 - 126,405 |
Net movement in funds £ 60,268 4,295 64,563 |
Transfers between funds £ 4,295 (4,295) - |
At 31.3.25 £ 190,968 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 190,968 |
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Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 March 2025
8. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 167,106 19,641 186,747 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (106,838) 60,268 (15,346) 4,295 (122,184) 64,563 |
|---|---|---|
9. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025.
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Sophie's Journey
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Donations Legacies Other trading activities Fundraising events Shop income Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Raising donations and legacies Storage fees Other trading activities Purchases Light and heat Wages Social security Pensions Rent Property repairs Telephone Charitable activities Site fees Caravan expenses Support costs Management Insurance Postage and stationery Advertising Sundries Freehold property Fixtures and fittings Computer equipment |
2025 £ 51,084 19,641 70,725 23,148 17,954 41,102 111,827 - 17,707 1,468 9,330 684 140 9,555 3,197 231 42,312 13,342 2,683 16,025 672 142 9,288 1,419 4,347 154 134 16,156 |
2024 £ 26,162 - |
|---|---|---|
| 26,162 48,758 - |
||
| 48,758 | ||
| 74,920 1,690 11,716 - - - - - - - |
||
| 11,716 11,422 1,908 |
||
| 13,330 227 467 10,424 571 5,114 - 163 |
||
| 16,966 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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Sophie's Journey
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ended 31 March 2025
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Management Governance costs Accountancy and legal fees Independent examiner fees Total resources expended Net income |
2025 £ 1,569 500 2,069 76,562 35,265 |
2024 £ 1,420 500 |
| 1,920 | ||
| 45,622 | ||
| 29,298 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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