SOLAN CONNOR FAWCETT FAMILY CANCER TRUST TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Charity Information | 1 |
| Trustees’ Report | 2 - 6 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 7 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 8 |
| Balance Sheet | 9 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 10 - 14 |
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust Charity Information For The Year Ended 31 May 2024
| Charity Registered Number | CE009917 |
|---|---|
| Registered Office | 26-28 High Street |
| Spennymoor | |
| Co Durham | |
| DL16 6DB | |
| Accountants | Mitchell Gordon LLP |
| Chartered Certified Accountants | |
| 43 Coniscliffe Road | |
| Darlington | |
| DL3 7EH | |
| Trustees | Mr Allan Wheatley |
| Mrs Debra Swinburn | |
| Mr Harry Hubber | |
| Mr Paul O’Hehir |
1
Charity number 1172918
SOLAN CONNOR FAWCETT FAMILY CANCER TRUST TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 31st MAY 2024
2
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust Company No. CE009917 Trustees Report for The Year Ended 31 May 2024
SOLAN CONNOR FAWCETT FAMILY CANCER TRUST Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31st May 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust (“the Charity”) for the year ended 31st May 2024. This report reflects both the ongoing and expanded activities of the Charity and our achievements over the last year.
Objectives and Activities
We operate across North-East England, mainly currently in County Durham and our Vision is that ‘No one should have to face cancer alone.’ The principal objective of the Charity is to help people impacted by a cancer diagnosis or bereavement. We aim to fully support Warriors—individuals who have had a cancer diagnosis—through the physical, emotional, financial and mental stresses associated with the condition. Additionally, we provide support to their families during the treatment process and in cases of bereavement, offering financial assistance, practical support, and other activities not provided by statutory services.
To achieve this, the Charity provides a wide range of services, including:
-
Counselling and Holistic Therapies
-
Hair and Beauty Treatments and Hair Loss Services
-
Patient Transport Services
-
Provision of Equipment (e.g., stairlifts, wheelchairs, mobility scooters)
-
Support Hub Activities (e.g., coffee mornings, craft sessions, exercise classes)
-
Warm Spaces Initiative
-
Community Allotment
-
Well-being initiatives (e.g., afternoon teas, family meals, trips)
-
Referrals and Raising Awareness
Achievements and Performance
Warrior Support
Warrior support continues to be central to our mission. The Charity provides tailored support for individuals and their families through every stage of their cancer journey. Our team of Warrior Coordinators offers:
-
Regular telephone check-ins to monitor well-being.
-
Support groups (e.g., bereavement groups, Stage 4-specific groups, and general coffee mornings).
-
Practical support with requests such as transportation, groceries, tradesmen, and social activities.
-
One-to-one counselling and holistic therapies to support mental health and emotional resilience.
Retail Operations
The Team Solan Superstore in Spennymoor continues to evolve. Following its launch in February 2023, the Superstore now combines furniture and clothing outlets under one roof, stocked through donations from the business and wider community and charity branded merchandise. It serves as a vital fundraising mechanism while also providing free furniture and clothing to Warriors in need.
The store supports the Charity’s goals of community engagement and empowerment, employing a mix of paid staff and volunteers, many of whom are Warriors rebuilding their confidence and learning new skills.
High street trading conditions continue to be challenging with several of our competitors and contemporaries closing or scaling back their operations. Our store however continues to be profitable and provides a valuable community service.
Support Hub Expansion
The ‘Hub’ remains a cornerstone of our operations. This year, services include:
-
Outreach groups in Billingham and Bishop Auckland.
-
Exercise and well-being programs such as chair Pilates, yoga, and tai chi.
-
Enhanced partnerships with organizations such as MacMillan and Man Health, using Our Hub for their
-
activities.
3
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust Company No. CE009917 Trustees Report (Continued) for The Year Ended 31 May 2024
- Improved kitchen facilities and continued the Warm Spaces initiative, ensuring access to nutritious meals during colder months.
Plans to transform the Hub into a wellness centre are underway, with anticipated additions including therapy rooms, hair and beauty facilities, and expanded mobility equipment storage.
Grants and Funding
The Charity has successfully secured grants from multiple sources, including Area Action Partnerships, local councils, Awards for All and County Durham Community Foundation. We continue to develop our Corporate Partnership Scheme , which enables local businesses to support the Charity through financial contributions and non-financial assistance, such as volunteering and equipment donations.
Referrals and Partnerships
Referrals remain a vital entry point for our services and are increasing year on year. This year, we strengthened relationships with hospitals, GP practices, Macmillan, and other cancer-related organizations. Our outreach efforts have also included schools, colleges, and businesses, ensuring more individuals are aware of our services.
The Charity’s growing partnerships with local tradespeople have enabled us to offer practical support such as home adaptations, gardening, and cleaning for Warriors and their families.
Review of 2023/24 Objectives
1. Increasing Warrior Numbers
We have successfully increased the number of Warriors accessing our services through partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations.
-
Facility Refurbishments
-
Continued progress toward transforming the Hub into a Wellness Centre , adding new therapy rooms and
-
expanding capacity.
-
CRM System Implementation
Development of the Charity’s CRM system is ongoing, with a launch expected in late 2024. This system will streamline operations and improve record-keeping, freeing resources for enhanced Warrior support.
-
Outreach Programs
-
Continuing two outreach groups, enabling more Warriors to access our services and exploring the potential for
-
further groups.
-
Introduced new cancer education and prevention programs delivered through the Hub.
5. Social Media and Digital Expansion
The Charity has enhanced its online presence, increasing engagement across Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Our interactive website and closed support groups have helped us to reaching a wider audience.
Plans for the Future
Looking ahead, the Charity’s objectives for 2024/25 include:
• Completing the Wellness Centre Transformation Expanding the Hub to include more therapy rooms, beauty services, and mobility equipment storage. • Further Expanding Outreach Services Launching additional support groups in other areas and increasing accessibility for Warriors unable to travel.
• Developing the Corporate Partnership Scheme
Strengthening relationships with local businesses and securing new funding streams.
• Enhancing Educational Programs
Introducing cancer prevention workshops and further developing well-being initiatives.
• Staff Recruitment
Expanding the team to include additional support workers, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of services.
Financial Review
The Charity generated an income of £295,676 during the year, reflecting strong community support and successful fundraising initiatives. Expenditure increased to £328,770 as a result of expanding services and implementing new programs.
4
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust Company No. CE009917 Trustees Report (Continued) for The Year Ended 31 May 2024
The Trustees are satisfied with the Charity’s financial position and remain focused on maintaining sufficient reserves (currently £254,538) to cover six to twelve months of operational costs.
Structure and Governance
Structure
The Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (registered charity number 1172918). Trustees oversee governance and delegate day-to-day operations to the CEO and support team.
Risk Management
Trustees have assessed key risks, including financial sustainability and operational challenges, and have implemented mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of services.
Conclusion
The past year has been one of sustainable growth and achievement for the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust. Despite challenges, we have maintained and expanded our services, strengthened partnerships, and deepened our impact on the lives of Warriors and their families.
We are grateful to our supporters, partners, volunteers, funders, and staff for their continued commitment to our mission. Together, we will build on this year’s successes and continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
Mr Mark Solan
CEO
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust
5
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust Trustees Report (Continued) for The Year Ended 31 May 2024
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' 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 & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
-
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) 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 in business.
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, 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.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 25/02/2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Mr Paul O’Hehir FCCA Trustee
6
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust Independent Examiner’s Report For The Year Ended 31 May 2024
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust ('the Charity')
We report to the charity Trustees on our examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 May 2024.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
We report in respect of our examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out our examination we have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. We confirm that we are qualified to undertake the examination because we are a member of ACCA, which is one of the listed bodies.
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
We understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
We have completed our examination. We confirm that no matters have come to our attention in connection with the examination giving us cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 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.
We 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. This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our 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 Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for our work or for this report.
25/02/2025 Dated: ________
Karl Gordon FCCA
Mitchell Gordon LLP 43 Coniscliffe Road Darlington DL3 7EH
7
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 May 2024
| Income from: Note Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities Other trading activities Total Expenditure on: 4 Raising funds Charitable activities Separate material item of expense Other Total Net movement in funds |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Total funds Prior year funds £ £ £ £ 174,987 - 47,986 112,900 70,087 39,540 157,251 149,652 11,062 - 11,062 5,988 |
|---|---|
| 256,136 39,540 295,676 268,540 |
|
| 47,559 - 47,559 20,739 281,211 - 281,211 299,058 - - - - - - - - |
|
| 328,770 39,540 328,770 319,797 |
|
| (72,634) 39,540 (33,094) (51,257) |
8
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust Balance Sheet As At 31 May 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| FIXED ASSETS | |||||
| Tangible Assets | 5 | 36,547 | 39,994 | ||
| 36,547 | 39,994 | ||||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Stocks | 6 | 2,100 | 2,100 | ||
| Debtors | 7 | 2,038 | 2,159 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 231,206 | 235,364 | |||
| 235,344 | 239,623 | ||||
| Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year |
8 | (17,353) | (13,669) | ||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) | 217,991 | 225,954 | |||
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
254,538 | 265,948 | |||
| NET ASSETS | 254,538 | 265,948 | |||
| Charity funds | |||||
| Restricted funds | 21,684 | 52,666 | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 254,538 | 265,948 | |||
| MEMBERS' FUNDS | 254,538 | 265,948 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 25[h] February 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
==> picture [181 x 3] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
________
----- End of picture text -----
Mr Paul O’Hehir Trustee
9
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 May 2024
1. General Information
The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and was incorporated on 09 May, registered number CE009917. The registered office is 26-28 High Street, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6DB.
2. Accounting Policies
2.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
The financial statements 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust 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.
2.2 Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
2.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.5 Government grants
Government grants relating to tangible fixed assets are treated as deferred income and released to the Statement of Financial Activities over the expected useful lives of the assets concerned. Other grants are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities as the related expenditure is incurred.
10
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For The Year Ended 31 May 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.6 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
2.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Plant & Machinery 15% straight line Fixtures & Fittings 15% straight line Computer Equipment 15% straight line
2.8 Debtors
Other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.
2.9 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and monies held on deposit.
2.10 Liabilities
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
2.11 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.12 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements
11
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust Notes to the Financial Statements (Continued) For The Year Ended 31 May 2024
3. Income from donations, fundraising and grants
| Donations and legacies Donations and gifts Income from Charitable events General grants provided by government Sponsorships which are in substance donations Total Charitable activities Shop Sales Grant income Restricted Total |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Total funds Prior year £ £ 47,986 - 47,986 91,753 117,711 - 117,711 19,707 - - - - 9,290 - 9,290 1,440 |
|---|---|
| 174,987 - 174,987 112,900 |
|
| 70,087 - 70,087 139,723 - 39,540 39,540 9,929 |
|
| 70,087 39,540 109,627 139,723 |
12
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 May 2024
| 4. Expenditure 2024 2023 Unrestricte d funds Restricted income funds Total funds Unrestricte d funds Restricted income funds Total funds Expenditure on fundraising: £ £ Opening stock 2,100 - 2,100 - - - Merchandise 1,142 - 1,142 3,662 - 3,662 Events 27,472 - 27,472 6,200 - 6,200 Advertising and marketing Costs 16,845 - 16,845 10,877 10,877 Total expenditure 47,559 - 47,559 20,739 - 20,739 Expenditure on charitable activities: Direct support and assistance 55,598 - 55,598 57,928 - 57,928 Other direct costs incurred 8,963 - 8,963 7,486 - 7,486 Closing stock - materials - 2,100 - - 2,100 - 2,100 - - 2,100 Waste disposal 1,802 - 1,802 2,071 - 2,071 Wages and salaries 85,872 - 85,872 91,581 - 91,581 Employers NI 291 - 291 528 - 528 Employers pensions 1,283 - 1,283 1,320 - 1,320 Staff training and welfare 682 - 682 683 - 683 Temporary staff and recruitment - - - 11,670 - 11,670 Travel and subsistence 1,301 - 1,301 269 - 269 Rent 29,547 - 29,547 26,000 - 26,000 Shop expenses 14,987 - 14,987 19,587 - 19,587 Light and heat 1,405 - 1,405 5,990 - 5,990 Cleaning 1,408 - 1,408 1,130 - 1,130 Hire and leasing 5,072 - 5,072 6,053 - 6,053 Vehicle fuel costs 341 - 341 1,607 - 1,607 Computer software costs 3,074 - 3,074 20,716 - 20,716 Repairs, renewals and maintenance 5,488 - 5,488 346 - 346 Insurance 1,671 - 1,671 2,812 - 2,812 Printing, postage and stationery 782 - 782 3,276 - 3,276 Telecommunications 3,009 - 3,009 5,925 - 5,925 Accountancy fees - - - 2,050 - 2,050 Legal fees 105 - 105 480 - 480 Professional fees 98 - 98 16,198 - 16,198 Consultancy fees 45,000 - 45,000 - - - Subscriptions 871 - 871 1,299 - 1,299 Bank charges 100 - 100 573 - 573 |
2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricte d funds Restricted income funds Total funds Unrestricte d funds Restricted income funds Total funds £ £ 2,100 - 2,100 - - - 1,142 - 1,142 3,662 - 3,662 27,472 - 27,472 6,200 - 6,200 16,845 - 16,845 10,877 10,877 |
||
| 47,559 - 47,559 20,739 - 20,739 |
13
Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 May 2024
| Credit card charges Bad debts written off Depreciation of plant and machinery Depreciation of fixtures and fittings Depreciation of computer equipment Sundry expenses Total expenditure |
- - - 593 - 593 440 - 440 1,080 - 1,080 11,113 - 11,113 11,347 - 11,347 230 - 230 230 - 230 1,120 - 1,120 231 - 231 1,658 - 1,658 330 - 330 |
|---|---|
| 281,211 - 281,211 299,289 - 299,289 |
14