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2024-12-31-accounts

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ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024

Annual Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 SUDC UK – registered charity in England and Wales 1175413

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CONTENTS

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A message from our founders 3
About us 4
Our strategy 2021-2024 4
Our values 4
2024 Impact in numbers 6
Grants to medical research 7
Supporting families 10
Raising awareness 12
Professional awareness and advocacy 1 4
Engagement in SUDC research 18
Fundraising 20
Sustainability 22
Our future 23
24
Annual report and unaudited financial statements
Trustees report 25
Independent examiner’s report 26
27
Statement of financial activities
Balance sheet 28
29
Notes to the financial statements
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SUDC UK TRUSTEES REPORT

SUDC UK Reference and Administrative Details

Charity name SUDC UK Organisation
Charity number 1175413 of the Charity CIO - ASSOCIATION Registered
Trustees Camilla Gooden 27 Oct 2017 as amended on 11
Helen Charalambous Jul 2023
Anne Elizabeth Milliken
(The SUDC Foundation) Committee The SUDC UK Board of Trustees
Madeleine Finn at the date of the approval of this
Chris Bingham Report were:
Chris Bingham
Accountant Mayfeld & Co Helen Charalambous
2 Merus Court Madeleine Finn
Meridian Business Park Camilla Gooden
Leicester Anne Elizabeth Milliken
Leicestershire
LE19 1RJ

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SUDC UK ANNUAL REPORT 2024

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDERS

As we reflect on 2024, it is impossible for the founders not to feel pride and gratitude. We can only achieve such milestones thanks to SUDC UK’s staff, volunteers, ambassadors, advisors and supporters.

A decade ago, when our children died, Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood was a phenomenon that lacked presence in national guidance, medical training and awareness. SUDC UK is committed to filling this gap, so other families avoid the same sense of isolation and confusion.

Thankfully, SUDC UK is making progress to address this most under-recognised medical tragedy and create meaningful change. In 2024, SUDC UK-funded research gained global attention while a BBC Panorama episode amplified our message, and national media shone a light on the truths families have long wanted to share. A parliamentary event drew 150 advocates and QUINTET, a £1.2 million government-funded project, launched to enhance support for bereaved families.

We supported families individually, advocated at regional and national events, and earned glowing feedback for our expertise. By providing charity representation for Child Death Overview Panels, delivering the key worker role, supporting researchers, and aiding the 2023 genetic test launch, we have deepened our knowledge, skills and insight in SUDC-related challenges.

Camilla Gooden, Dr Nikki Speed and Helen Charalambous at the first ever parliamentary event for SUDC at the House of Commons

During 2024, the charity drove noticeable advancements in care for SUDCbereaved families. We received more medical referrals, and bereaved families are accessing our support earlier in their journey. We also received more proactive requests for training and collaborations, and five different lead investigators applied for SUDC UK grants. We are hopeful for further improvement in essential care via projects like QUINTET and our advocacy.

At an organisational level, our income increased by 32% in 2024 to £400,650. We expanded our staff, board of trustees, scientific advisors, and launched a new research strategy. SUDC UK has committed to invest £297,781more into SUDC research as a result of fundraising in 2024. We are proud of our evolving international collaborations and have founded an international working group for SUDC, with 20 experts who convene regularly at meetings co-chaired by our CEO.

2025 will be pivotal as we expand our research efforts and shape an ambitious long-term strategy to guide SUDC UK’s impact.

Meeting with other families and seeing their courage, resilience, shared experiences and passion, will forever inspire us – these families, propelled by their love for their children, have driven the extraordinary advances you will read about in this report.

Dr Nikki Speed CEO

Helen Charalambous

Camilla Gooden

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ABOUT US

SUDC UK is a registered, national charity dedicated to funding research, raising awareness and supporting families affected by Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC).

SUDC is the sudden and unexpected death of a child aged 1-18 years where the cause of death remains unexplained despite a thorough investigation. 40 children are affected every year in the UK, more than young child deaths due to traffic accidents, fires or drowning and comparable to 1-2 seemingly healthy children dying every fortnight, often going to sleep and never waking up.

There is limited awareness and research to understand SUDC and currently, no-one can predict

or prevent these deaths. They continue to devastate families year on year.

Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood is one of the most under-recognised medical tragedies of our time. Please help us take action to stop children dying without explanation by learning more in this report and at www.sudc.org.uk.

WATCH OUR CHARITY VIDEO HERE

OUR STRATEGY 2021-2024

In 2021, we launched a three-year strategy shaped in collaboration with bereaved parents and dedicated volunteers. This year we exceeded our targets for each area of our plan. Our strategy focuses on four key objectives:

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♥

1Raising the funds necessary to successfully 2Easing the experience of 3Activism for improved awareness 4Supporting UK family and
impact the future prediction SUDC-bereaved of SUDC and funding for professional
and prevention of SUDC by families in the UK medical research engagement in SUDC
granting to medical research research
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OUR VALUES

Collaboration with families

Founded by bereaved parents, SUDC UK values the opinions and efforts of families affected by SUDC and the charity collaborates with this community to further its mission

Collaboration with the scientific community

SUDC UK believes funding, international collaboration, consistent data collection and increased professional engagement in SUDC research is crucial for Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood to become predictable and preventable

Information and Empowerment

Collaboration with medical professionals and child death experts

SUDC UK believes close collaboration with the SUDC Foundation and other related national organisations will help further SUDC UK’s mission

SUDC UK believes accurate and consistent information should be available to all families affected by the sudden unexpected and often unexplained death of a child, so they are informed and empowered, and understand how to access relevant national and international resources

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Expanded SUDC UK Advisory Board

To guide us, in October 2024 we expanded our Expert Advisory Board, inviting world-renowned leaders in sudden child death to provide critical insight on complex issues affecting families and child health.

This strategy ensures our efforts and investment deliver impact — now and into the future.

l Professor Mike Campbell

l Dr Samantha Holden

SUDC UK remains grateful and very proud to be supported by our Patron, Jenni Thomas OBE, who hosts our bereavement retreats, supports team well-being and guides our support services. Details of all our advisors can be found at www.sudc.org.uk/sudc-uk-team

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2024 IMPACT IN NUMBERS

SUDC UK family 332 members to date 49 newly registered members this year

88 parent/carers and siblings attended SUDCUK in-person events

60 17 professional SUDC UK conferences, articles, meetings or including 6 in the training. national press

677

supportive direct interactions with registered families

£547869 ,

invested in SUDC research

including a £100 000 , grant paid in 2024

and an additional £297 , 781 designated to support research supported by our research review process in the next open call.

5 families referred to SUDC research projects for further investigation and to contribute to wider learning to help prevent future deaths

20

families successfully supported with NHS whole genome sequencing referral

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new families received 1-1 SUDC UK support over zoom

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SUDC UK ANNUAL REPORT 2024

GRANTS TO MEDICAL RESEARCH Driving research, searching for answers.

SUDC UK is the only UK charity dedicated to helping families find answers after the sudden, unexplained death of a child aged between 1 and 18 years. At the heart of our mission is a clear goal: to fund vital research to understand and prevent SUDC.

Thanks to the generous support of our community, SUDC UK has invested over £547,000 to date—including a £100,000 grant payment in 2024 as provided for in our 2023 accounts—in the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Registry and Research Collaborative (SUDCRRC). This global, multidisciplinary initiative, based at NYU Langone (New York), brings together leading experts in pathology, cardiology, infectious disease and related fields, to investigate the causes of these tragic SUDC deaths and work towards their prevention. By combining insights from clinicians, researchers, pathologists, and coroners the SUDCRRC is helping to uncover answers once thought impossible — and paving the way for prevention.

We are proud to be the only UK organisation referring families to this international SUDC research programme, with 5 new families enrolled in 2024.

READ ABOUT THE RESEARCH HERE

Together, we are turning loss into action — advancing research, informing policy, and strengthening support to drive meaningful and lasting change.

I find myself on a quest to find out why my beautiful, healthy boy fell asleep with my ultimate aim to be for his legacy to live on and help save other children in the future.

An SUDC mum

In 2024 , SUDC UK designated an additional

£297781 , to support research approved by our research review process in the next open call.

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NEW EVIDENCE:

Febrile seizures may play a key role in SUDC

In January 2024, research funded by SUDC UK led to a significant scientific breakthrough. This pioneering study by the SUDCRRC analysed audio-visual recordings from seven toddlers who died suddenly and without explanation.

Strikingly, despite the absence of any prior seizure history in most cases, clear febrile seizure activity was identified near the time of death—providing the strongest evidence to date of a potential link between convulsions and these tragic, unexplained deaths.

This landmark discovery underscores the urgent need for further research into the role of seizures in SUDC, with the potential to advance understanding, improve risk identification, and ultimately help prevent future deaths. SUDC UK also supported the parents of Louis Rogers to

Our study, although small, offers the first direct evidence that seizures may be responsible for some sudden deaths in children, which are usually unwitnessed during sleep

Laura Gould, study lead investigator and a research assistant professor at NYU Langone.

advocate for changes in the wording of their NHS trust’s patient information leaflet for febrile seizures. The collaboration with the trust was appreciated by the paediatric and neurology team and this leaflet is now used in SUDC UK training to promote consistent and accurate patient information for all families if their child experiences a febrile seizure.

I was astonished to find out that 30% of children who die suddenly and unexpectedly have had febrile seizures. This new research into SUDC and seizures is urgently needed to prevent any more families losing a child

SUDC mum

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NEW RESEARCH STRATEGY:

SUDC UK Open Call 2024

SUDC UK reinforced our commitment to advancing SUDC research by joining the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) as an Introductory Member — a recognised mark of excellence in UK research funding. This affiliation strengthens our credibility with universities, government bodies, and funders, as we work towards achieving full AMRC Membership in 2025.

In 2024, SUDC UK launched its first formal Research Strategy — a bold commitment to fund breakthrough studies that could save children’s lives.

Our mission is to:

l contribute towards the prevention of SUDC

l accelerate the change which will enable children to live with a reduced risk of SUDC

We prioritise research that:

l Explores the link between SUDC and febrile seizures to identify preventable measures l Influences national guidelines and NHS pathways to educate and protect families

l Advances understanding across genetics, neurology, cardiology, pathology, and more

In Autumn 2024, we launched our first global research grant call, inviting international projects aimed at making a meaningful impact on the lives of children in the UK. Our funding supports all stages of research — from early ideas to established studies — and helps foster the next generation of SUDC researchers.

READ THE RESEARCH STRATEGY HERE

2024 Research Review Panel Members

Meeting Chair

Expert Panel Members

l Professor Finbar O’Callaghan

Professor of Paediatric Neuroscience, Institute of Child Health

l Dr Rachel Moon

Professor of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, USA

l Professor Peter Sidebotham

We have formed an SUDC UK Research Review Panel — a vital step in driving forward scientific understanding of SUDC.

Led by Professor Rachel Chambers, Professor of Respiratory Cell & Molecular Biology, UCL, this bespoke research review panel brings together expert professionals and bereaved family representatives to rigorously assess research proposals and recommend funding to our SUDC UK Board of Trustees. We are proud to commit and designate up to £297,781 to research projects, set to launch in 2025 — and we look forward to sharing updates as this crucial work begins. SUDC UK received 5 applications for funding during this grant round and we believe this group of medical research applications was a result of SUDC UK’s years of engagement efforts and impactful previous grant awards.

Professor of Nursing, Sunshine Coast AUS

Family Voice Representatives

l Clare Pitts

l Nathan Robinson

Both representatives are bereaved parents affected by SUDC and they are currently ambassadors for SUDC UK. SUDC UK warmly and gratefully acknowledges their important contribution to this meeting and impact on medical research, in memory of their children, Alfie Robinson and Harry Pitts. Thank you.

Trustees as observers

l Chris Bingham

l Helen Charalambous

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SUPPORTING FAMILIES

Supporting bereaved families who have suddenly and unexpectedly lost their child — and the professionals who care for them — is at the heart of SUDC UK’s mission.

In 2024, we continued to create safe, meaningful spaces for connection and remembrance through events like our much-loved family days, Stars for Our Children, a counsellor-led retreat weekend, and our annual SUDC Dads’ meal. We also launched a vital new resource at the start of the school year — a UK-specific SUDC guide for schools, developed with member families and experts.

families at every step of the child death review process, ensuring they are never alone in navigating this difficult journey. In addition, our face-to-face and virtual events help connect families, while our advocacy work pushes for better, more consistent bereavement care across the UK.

In 2024, 88 bereaved individuals (55 adults and 33 children) attended SUDC UK events.

Bereavement support and advice

SUDC UK provides dedicated, personal support to families facing the unimaginable.

Through phone, email, and one-toone Zoom calls, we provide guidance and emotional support to families from the moment of discovery, through the complex and often traumatic medical investigation — including genetic screening — and throughout the long, uncertain wait for a coroner’s report. We stand beside

SUDC UK supported us when we felt totally alone, but also, crucially, helped us navigate the systems and find answers. We will only be able to do this for other families if we continue to raise funds and do more research.

SUDC parent

Honouring and connecting

In 2024, we hosted two family days at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and Yorkshire Wildlife Park, welcoming families - including siblings - from across the UK. These gatherings offered families a rare chance to connect with others who truly understand the unique pain of SUDC. These days culminated in coming together to hang stars in loving memory of SUDC children. As one parent said: “We felt welcomed with care, open arms, and complete understanding.”

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A gentle,
helpful
weekend...
I’d recommend
it to anyone
considering
going.
SUDC mum
As a primary
So, with this school teacher,
little star, and it’s brilliant and
the hope it brings as a mum
to me during my hugely helpful,
grieving process the language
is just pure is carefully and
kindness, and gently worded
so thoughtful. and it feels
SUDC parent accessible.
SUDC mum
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Once again, SUDC families united virtually through our Stars for Our Children activity — a powerful expression of remembrance, community, and hope. Every registered SUDC UK family received a star, to decorate and hang indoors or outside in honour of their child. This event is an annual heartfelt reminder that their child is remembered, and that no SUDC family is ever alone.

Comfort and understanding

For #WaveOfLight2024, SUDC UK co-founders lit a candle for every registered family — a powerful tribute to all loved and missed children, and to those who grieve them.

In September, our annual SUDC Dads’ meal offered a relaxed, supportive space for fathers to connect, share, and remember — with others who truly understand.

NEW: SUDC Support in Schools

Thanks to funding from the Big Give Christmas Challenge, we launched ‘SUDC Support in Schools’ — a practical, compassionate guide for families and educators

navigating sudden and unexpected child loss.

The project was led by Amy Haynes—a bereaved SUDC sibling and teacher—who dedicated her Master’s thesis to this vital topic. The resulting Support for Schools booklet was shaped by insights from primary and secondary teachers, counsellors, and members of the SUDC community — including, importantly, the voices of SUDC siblings themselves. It offers family stories, practical guidance, and a ready-to-use meeting template to foster open, compassionate communication between parents and schools.

TO ORDER THE SUDC SUPPORT GUIDE

In October, we hosted our annual ‘Reflect, Restore, Renew’ Retreat, held in memory of Autumn Garwood — a gentle, supportive space for 12 recently bereaved parents to connect and reflect. Guided by compassionate experts, including Jenni Thomas OBE, Nicki Whitworth (SLOW), and SUDC mum Eleanor Wroath, who led her therapeutic ‘Gardening for Grief’ workshop, the weekend offered comfort, understanding, and community.

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I just want to quickly say what fantastic work SUDC UK has done in raising awareness through the Panorama documentary. I feel like it has really had an impact and it’s all thanks to the hard work you all put in every day. Thank you.

SUDC parent

I had honestly never heard of this before watching Panorama, we get a lot of awareness of SIDS, there needs to be more awareness of SUDC. So brave of the families

Member of the public

RAISING AWARENESS

SUDC UK works tirelessly to raise the profile of this category of death and to engage professionals, politicians and the public in supporting the cause and all affected families.

SUDC UK on the BBC

On Monday 5th February, SUDC received national coverage like never before. SUDC was discussed across multiple BBC platforms, including online articles on the BBC homepage, BBC Breakfast TV, Radio 5 Live and Panorama investigated Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood in “Sudden Child Deaths: The Search for Answers.”

WATCH THE PROGRAMME HERE

Supported and guided by SUDC UK over 9 months, this investigative documentary explored critical issues such as research, awareness, and family support — following a family’s journey from the sudden unexpected loss of their child through to the inquest. It captured a compassionate postmortem report meeting- that was arranged and supported by SUDC UK- and underscored the vital role of skilled key worker support. The broadcast significantly raised awareness of SUDC, helping more families access support and educating professionals.

Within 3 days of the programme SUDC UK had 7 new family registrations providing connection and support, our social media Facebook engagement increased by 2000%,

SUDC UK’s reach increased by 535% attracting 11.5K visitors to our page (91% were new, non-followers).

Very special thanks to Jodie and Gavin Dacres who created an incredible legacy for their son, Addy, through the impact of Panorama.

On 18th March 2024, SUDC UK marked a historic milestone with the launch of National SUDC Awareness Day, hosted at a Parliamentary Reception in the House of Commons.

Supported by SUDC UK Volunteer, Julia Rogers, in memory of her son, Louis, Art of The Possible Agency, Butterfly Photography, CoCreate, Calvermont PR and Service Graphics, the event brought together 130 influential figures—including MPs, NHS and Department of Health and Social Care leaders, Royal College representatives, senior police and ambulance officials, Senior Coroners, expert clinicians, child death review professionals, hospices, leading charities, and SUDC UK Ambassador families.

It was a powerful tribute to collaboration, expertise, and courage — recognising our recent progress, while calling for urgent action. Together, we honoured the children we have lost and renewed our shared commitment to driving change for

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It had huge resonance, I am so pleased awareness is being raised on SUDC....Thinking of you, thank you for your work, it matters hugely.

SUDC parent

families, children, and the professionals who support them in this vital field.

Let’s all talk about SUDC

In 2024, courageous SUDC families stepped forward to share their stories — and their bravery sparked national awareness.

Thanks to them, SUDC gained powerful media coverage across BBC News, ITV, RTÉ, Times Radio, BBC Radio 4, The Sun, Daily Mirror, Woman’s Own, and more. Engagement also soared across social media during Wave of Light, Child Grief Awareness Week, and the Big Give Christmas Campaign.

Social media momentum

Social media made waves in 2024, with rising engagement across all platforms — especially during SUDC Awareness

Month and the September campaign push. Our first-ever Instagram Live featured CEO Nikki Speed supporting an ultra-marathon fundraiser, helping us connect with new audiences in real time.

In March, during SUDC Awareness Month, our ‘I Care About SUDC’ campaign sparked national momentum: l 116 awareness packs sent to supporters and professionals l 6 press features — 3 national and 3 local — spotlighted brave SUDC families

l Strong growth across all social channels, with Instagram engagement up 28%, and Twitter impressions rising 50–75%

Our SUDC UK Ambassadors played a vital role — giving talks in hospitals, running events like celebrity football matches and golf days, and amplifying our message online.

Together, these diverse national and local voices have helped bring sudden unexplained childhood death out of the shadows — and into the spotlight.

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PROFESSIONAL AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY

SUDC UK is a lifeline for families facing the sudden, unexplained death of a child.

We work to ensure every UK SUDC-bereaved family hears about us — through professional referrals, our website, or public awareness campaigns — within days of their loss.

To improve understanding and response, we’ve developed a dedicated education programme for UK professionals, raising awareness of SUDC and the support we offer.

Each year, more families are connecting with us sooner, allowing us to provide guidance and support through this profoundly challenging time. We guide families and professionals through the child death investigation process, genetic testing, sibling screening, and facilitate access to expert counselling.

In 2024, we provided direct advocacy for 28 families, helping them navigate grief, confusion, and isolation. With continued training and awareness, we’re working towards a future where no family faces SUDC alone.

When there is no dedicated local resource, SUDC UK acts as an NHS-designated key worker for families and in

2024 we supported 6 families, supporting them as their single point of contact as they try to cope after their child’s death and advocating for them in the Child Death Review Process, giving them a voice and opportunity to have questions answered and impact local learning.

SUDC UK was also invited to support the North West London and Hertfordshire Child Death Overview Panels in 2024. We attended 8 meetings, including strategic meetings, providing specialist insight and perspective from a sudden child bereavement charity.

Advocacy achievements

In August 2024, SUDC UK was invited to attend a national meeting led by the NHS England Children and Young People Team Director, Professor Simon Kenny, to discuss the role of key workers for bereaved families. This was a direct result of our Parliamentary meeting in March. Our CEO presented to all Integrated Care Board leads in England and invited the lead SUDC Lancashire Nurse and the Designated Doctor for Child Death from Oxfordshire to

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Thanks again for all your help to drive the right conversations. I wouldn’t have the knowledge about what we could or should have access to otherwise.

SUDC mother in 2024

co-present to explain successes and challenges regarding effective key worker provision. The advocacy for trained and well-resourced key worker provision was impactful, leading to discussion on the importance of bereavement support in the developing NHS 10 year plan. We are very grateful to the professionals who supported this meeting.

SUDC UK advocates for NHS Genetics for every family and policy that aim to uncover risk factors, deepen understanding, and ultimately help prevent future tragedies.

In 2024 we were proud to continue championing a landmark change in a genetic project, which focused exclusively on SIDS and SUDC. For the first time, when a child’s death remains unexplained after post-mortem and professional review, families in England are now offered advanced genetic investigation as part of the pathway. This ‘super panel’ test is in the National Genomics Test directory: R441 for SIDS and SUDC. This represents a crucial step forward ensuring that, where science allows, families can begin to search for answers.

Families have told SUDC UK that genetic testing not only provides reassurance but also helps with expert medical care. This initiative seeks to identify new genetic insights into sudden, unexplained infant and child deaths—offering renewed hope for answers and prevention.

It is also about more than data—it’s about giving hope, driving discovery, and preventing future tragedies. Due to the impact of this recently launched test, SUDC

When a child dies without warning or explanation, there can be no greater shock nor sadness for the family left behind. The void that is irrevocably created by a such a loss defies any sense of ‘normal’ and professionals dealing with families need guidance and support to, in turn, best support newly bereaved parents and carers.

SUDC UK provides such a lifeline. In addition to the laudable work they do directly with families, stepping in where few others are equipped or trained to, they are a beacon to healthcare workers who desperately need a sense of direction and structure in order to care for families in these unimaginable circumstances. For those of us who have an additional designated role in ensuring rigorous review and analysis of every child death, SUDC UK, with their vast knowledge and experience, provides an accessible standard that defines best practice. Children and families deserve no less.

This charity is one that has become integral to those of us working towards the goal of supporting families through these tragedies and learning from each and every sad death. We could not do our work without SUDC UK. It’s that simple.

Dr Alison Shefler Designated Doctor for Child Death Oxfordshire

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I provide these talks to community groups, ending each talk remembering Frankie; providing SUDC awareness information and raising funds for SUDC UK. Brian Topping

UK was invited once again to present at the national Association of Child Death Review Professionals Conference and share a recorded zoom call between our CEO and an SUDC Ambassador and parent, Dr Emily Cooper, with the 200 influential attendees. This presentation led to other opportunities and requests to share this emotional and impactful video which clearly explains the importance of this work.

SUDC UK’s Communications Manager, courageously shared the story of her little boy, William. Her words were a powerful reminder of why our work matters—and why families deserve time, care, and dedicated support at every step.

MORE INFORMATION HERE

As already highlighted, in December, for the third year in a row, SUDC UK had a strong presence at the Association of Child Death Review Professionals conference, meeting with nurses, paediatricians, police, senior coroners and other bereavement workers and charities. Huge thanks to our incredible SUDC UK ambassadors: Liam Walsh for supporting our stand, and Dr Emily Cooper.

Improving Child Death Reviews

A Milestone for Compassionate Care

In July 2024, SUDC UK supported the launch of materials for more compassionate child death reviews across England.

As a

For nearly two years, SUDC UK has proudly contributed as a key stakeholder in a groundbreaking research project aimed at improving the review process following the tragic death of a child. In July, Dr Joanna Garstang and her team launched a powerful new toolkit designed to support professionals in the key worker (single point of contact) role—ensuring families receive consistent, compassionate care from the start. At the launch the project was brought to life at an inspiring in-person event attended by 170 professionals. Hannah Johnston,

paediatrician, you have opened my eyes to the rare yet devastating SUDC cases and the

Extending our reach across the UK

In 2024, we made major strides in increasing awareness in Scotland. Ambassador Daisy McKenzie has been a driving force — raising awareness in memory of her son Albie and delivering talks across the country. She has helped build strong ties with key organisations, including Health Improvement Scotland and the Scottish National Hub. SUDC UK

experiences of the family both at the time and going forward.

Dr Claire Roome

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I heard from a CDOP [Child Death Overview Panel] recently that their first R441 (genetic) test that they sent for a family picked up a known condition! This just underlines how important it is that this should be offered for everyone in such a situation. I know it won't bring the child back for that family, but I hope it will help them to have an answer and that might help in their grieving process. They would not have been able to provide the answer for this family without all your hard work in this area. You know I think you are amazing and what SUDC UK does makes such a difference but I wanted you to know that it's working

presented to all Child Death Review leads across Scotland and joined Child Bereavement UK’s Scottish Bereavement Network’s autumn event to continue strengthening national collaboration.

SUDC UK is very excited by the development of our new regional medical education programme. Our Ambassador, Brian Topping, is at the heart of this progress — inspiring local training and raising vital awareness. Brian championed, arranged and supported a program of medical education events across Lancashire. Supported by SUDC UK, Brian delivered 9 impactful training presentations to over 200 medical staff, police and Coroners offices in collaboration with our CEO and the local SUDC lead nurse, Jo Birch.

Vicky Sleap, Deputy Director of the National Child Mortality Database, May 2024

Building on this momentum, we plan to train additional Ambassadors to expand our reach even further.

l Presentations with Scottish and English national NHS leads

Together, we are breaking the silence on SUDC, building partnerships, and driving change — across all corners of the UK.

Professional training

Local team training

In 2024, SUDC UK attended over 60 professional meetings to advocate for families and raise awareness of SUDC. 34 of these have been direct training sessions, providing information about SUDC facts and the impact on families, research, guidelines, care recommendations and resources. l Regional study days with child death experts l International meetings with researchers l Presentations in Parliament

A key achievement this year was SUDC UK’s collaboration with Essex Police to produce an informative video outlining the police response to sudden, unexpected child deaths. The video not only explains the local investigative process but powerfully shows how a compassionate approach and clear communication can ease trauma and provide critical support to families in their most vulnerable moments.

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ENGAGEMENT IN SUDC RESEARCH SUDC research continues to be critically underfunded and widely overlooked on a global scale — a gap SUDC UK is determined to close.

We are driving meaningful progress by empowering UK families and professionals to engage with and contribute to essential research. Our efforts ensure families are kept informed of all relevant studies, while we actively strengthen partnerships with charities and organisations committed to advancing research and supporting those affected. Together, we are building the momentum needed to uncover answers, transform understanding, and ultimately, save lives.

A step forward for SUDC research awareness

A new research publication in a BMJ journal by our expert advisor, paediatrician, and researcher Dr Joanna Garstang shines a critical spotlight on SUDC in the UK. We fully endorse the article’s conclusions and are grateful for the awareness this important research will generate. (British Medical Journal, Incidence of sudden unexplained death in childhood for children aged 1–14 years in England and Wales during 2001–2020: an observational study) https://adc.bmj.com/

READ THE RESEARCH HERE

The incidence of SUDC has remained static despite overall child mortality almost halving in the last two decades. SUDC is now more widely recognised due to improved investigation, but there has been limited research into SUDC; potential causes and associated risk factors remain unknown. As the relative proportion of child deaths due to SUDC increases, child health professionals must be aware of SUDC to support bereaved families.

Dr Joanna Garstang, expert advisor

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Unexpected death of a child of any age is perhaps the greatest tragedy any family can experience. I give my strongest possible support to the work of SUDC UK - supporting bereaved families and facilitating research aimed at understanding and preventing unexpected deaths of children. I am convinced that with the right research we will soon be able to prevent many such deaths.

Professor Peter Fleming CBE, our expert advisor, explains the vital need for SUDC research

SUDC UK driving global impact

SUDC is a global issue—and solving it demands international collaboration. Over the past year, SUDC UK has played a pivotal role in elevating the global conversation, ensuring SUDC is no longer sidelined in scientific and clinical communities.

This year, history was made with the launch of the first-ever International Working Group for Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood, which is co-chaired by our CEO, Nikki Speed, and Laura Gould, Co-Principal Investigator at the SUDCRRC. Going forward, this groundbreaking working group will meet regularly under the banner of The International Society for the Study and Prevention of Perinatal and Infant Death (ISPID) — creating a vital new forum for international researchers, charities, and clinicians to collaborate and accelerate progress for the cause-all with SUDC UK’s leadership and a strong voice for families.

Following advocacy and successful networking at last year’s event, SUDC also featured prominently at this year’s conference on “Sudden infant death and pediatric forensic challenges” in Soria Moria, Oslo. Highlights included a presentation of WGS R441, showcasing SUDC UK’s impact, and the attendance of leading UK cardiologist Professor Mary Sheppard, whose involvement was facilitated by SUDC UK. SUDC UK supported three travel grants to the conference for SUDC researchers, Peter Fleming CBE, Joanna Garstang and Declan McGuone to present their research and support discussions that were vital for progress.

This year, in a pivotal shift, SUDC research featured prominently in nearly every session, culminating in the very first dedicated SUDC session, chaired by and including a presentation from our CEO, Dr Nikki Speed. The energy and engagement around SUDC was palpable.

With continued global partnership, advocacy, and resolve, we are driving SUDC to the forefront of international research efforts.

Bereavement support research

In December 2024, SUDC UK was honoured to champion the launch of a major national initiative aimed at transforming bereavement care for families affected by sudden unexpected death in infancy and childhood.

As a proud co-applicant and co-investigator on QUINTET — a pioneering £1.2 million, three-year study funded by the NIHR and led by the University of Southampton — we are expediting efforts to investigate inequities in end-of-life care following sudden and unexpected deaths in children and young people.

This impactful collaboration unites leading bereavement charities, including SUDC UK, 2Wish, Shooting Stars Hospice, and Forget Me Not Hospice, alongside prominent UK academic institutions and the National Child Mortality Database.

SUDC UK had a significant impact on the success of this funding application and we will be leading on project recruitment and engagement.

READ THE RESEARCH HERE

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FUNDRAISING

In 2024, we set out to grow our income by 5% — and proudly achieved a 32% increase, thanks to an extraordinary year of community-led fundraising and awareness.

This success reflects the dedication, creativity, and compassion of SUDC families, friends, and supporters across the country. From high-profile national campaigns like the Big Give – powered by generous pledgers and donors- to personal challenges and local events, our community came together with unwavering commitment and generosity.

What made the difference:

l Incredible individual efforts, like one passionate supporter and Ambassador, Nicola Buchan, running an astonishing 18 marathons in 18 days, a sponsored walk from London to Manchester, a Hiking to the Stars climb up Kilimanjaro by SUDC Ambassador Claire Smith and a remarkable year-long fundraising campaign of quizzes, coffee mornings, and community events.

l Challenge events brought hundreds together — running, climbing, riding, swimming, hiking, even skydiving — all in honour of the children we’ve lost and the families we support.

Events included the Royal Parks Half Marathon, Great

North Run, RideLondon 100, the London Landmarks Half Marathon, Great South Run and the Croyde Ocean Triathlon

l Collaborations and partnerships without which, we could not deliver our mission. Organisations like The Oliver’s Wish Foundation, Friends of Frankie, UK Games Expo for Autum Garwood, The Matthew Cowley Foundation and The Amy Robinson Foundation provided powerful support throughout the year.

l Community and corporate events, from charity balls and quizzes to school-led activities and boxing matches — helped raise awareness and vital funds while bringing people together.

l Volunteers and pro bono professionals donated time, talent, and energy, making national campaigns like the B ig Give Christmas Campaign possible and impactful. Our heartfelt thanks go to our incredible supporters, volunteers -including pro bono professionals- and everyone who contributed time, energy, and generosity. These combined efforts have enabled us to exceed expectations in raising both awareness of SUDC and the support available to affected families across the UK.

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Docusign Envelope ID 7A66867F-8CD246C1-99CO-E4BFFF228F13 SUDC UKANNUAI REPORT2024 SUDCUK S, ddeT UneAplAincd Death iii Childhuod 5¢wu iVkvtswroRGVK ,tIIURU PEAK..TANZANIL Ilfj 1243 MRTT AFRICA VIOIILO. ICHEETTOI ICHEST FREE-, •ON OF WORLOS LARGEST VO CANQES npi D HERITAGE bi OV.DER OF AFRICAtsI sUDC*UK WWW.SUDC.ORG.UK

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SUSTAINABILITY

Support from phenomenal community fundraising and generous donations has enabled the charity to employ staff and evolve its services, awareness activities and events for families.

This year we have strengthened the SUDC UK team, with Lorna McKay in a new permanent part-time role, supporting fundraising & events, and new Trustees Madeleine Finn and Chris Bingham, who bring valuable expertise in education and finance to our board.

----- Start of picture text -----
Lorna Chris Madeleine
McKay Bingham Finn
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Ambassador and Volunteer roles

SUDC UK is supported by a group of passionate and highly skilled SUDC UK Ambassadors and operational volunteers.

SUDC UK Ambassadors are committed individuals who are formally invited to support SUDC UK in a variety of ways in long term support. These include fundraisers and major donors, advocates who present at or attend medical events, those who would be called upon to support local or national press, or individuals who connect SUDC UK with new opportunities, local MPs or NHS teams in line with our current strategy. They collaborate with SUDC UK to inspire and educate people about the cause and our charity, raising important awareness. Ambassadors discuss the work we do, the services we have to offer, and signpost individuals to SUDC UK.

In addition to SUDC UK Ambassadors, we also have a group of SUDC UK Volunteers who support the charity in a defined role or who are contracted to support a particular project. SUDC UK’s operations have performed successfully in collaboration with our volunteers, many of whom have supported the charity for years. We would like to thank each and every person for their time, expertise, generosity and the difference they have made. The progress and impact shared in this report would not have been achieved without you! We also acknowledge that there are so many others who have had incredible impact in 2024 and proceeding years. Thank you!

Thank you to the SUDC Foundation (www.sudc.org) supporting UK family registration and your generous collaboration throughout 2024.

Volunteers and Ambassadors in 2024

Beewan Athwal Laura Mullen Emily Bowes Kat Patterson Nicola Buchan Brooke Petersen Samantha Cowley Ben Pitts Jodie Dacres Clare Pitts Gavin Dacres James Potter Anna Dowling Lucy Potter Rob Dowling Dominic Potts Jackie Garwood Laura Robinson Laura Gibson Nathan Robinson Lucy Godding Kieran Robinson Jo Griffiths Julia Rogers Sarah Grogan Christian Rogers Vanessa Grzywacz Lucy Salter Laura Gulliver Kimberley Shepherd Sarah Hackney Natalie Sheraton Mikala Hatfield Claire Smith Harry Hatfield Tom Speed Amy Haynes Fiona Strachan Natalie Hughes Joe Strachan Katie Jones Brian Topping Adrian Kirby Laura Trahearn Sarah Laurent John Trahearn Sally Law Kate Walsh Claire Love Niamh Walsh Bex Luisi Liam Walsh Daisy McKenzie Eleanor Moriarty Wroath Ryan Moore

Other generous supporters

Art of The Possible Agency Nicola Whitworth Richard Bilton, BBC Service Graphics Claire Kendall, BBC The Hospital Saturday Butterfly Photography Fund Calvermont PR TPS visual Communications CoCreate UK Games Expo Joanna Vitiv, Feather.ink Henry Schein

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SUDC UK ANNUAL REPORT 2024

OUR FUTURE

As we look ahead to 2025, we are building on the powerful momentum of a transformative year—marked by growing public awareness, deeper professional engagement, and vital scientific progress.

Our commitment remains clear: to lead with compassion, drive collaboration, and be recognised as the leading voice on sudden unexplained deaths in childhood. We will continue to deliver against our strategic goals, rooted in our core values and strengthened by meaningful UK and international partnerships.

2025 will mark a pivotal year as we deepen our research efforts and shape an ambitious long-term strategy to guide SUDC UK’s national impact.

In 2025, we aim to amplify our impact through a new Ambassador event, expanded PR outreach, and a more diverse approach to fundraising. To support these ambitions, we plan to appoint a part-time Trusts Manager to build strategic relationships and unlock new sources of funding.

By building on these developments, we are establishing a strong foundation for meaningful growth and are eagerly anticipating an exciting, impactful year ahead.

Your support is making a difference

SUDC UK may be small—with just four part-time staff and 11 dedicated volunteers—but our impact is mighty. What fuels us is that we understand the unmet need; we have purpose, passion, and the unwavering belief that we can change the future for families affected by sudden unexplained deaths in childhood.

With the support of our SUDC families, expert advisors, partner charities, committed professionals, researchers and donors we are raising awareness, improving care, and driving the search for answers.

Together, we are shining a light on the challenges of SUDC and building a future where every affected family receives the understanding, answers, and support they deserve.

Together, we are a powerful force for change - and we’re only just getting started.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2024

Legal and administrative information Trustees C Gooden H Charalambous A Milliken C Bingham (Appointed 9 January 2024) M Finn (Appointed 9 January 2024)

Charity number (England and Wales) 1175413

Independent examiner Thomas Mayfield BA FCA Mayfield & Co (Accountants) Ltd 2 Merus Court Meridian Business Park Leicester LE19 1RJ

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SUDC UK ANNUAL REPORT 2024

TRUSTEES REPORT For the year ended 31 December 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” and the Charities SORP “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)”.

Objectives and activities

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charitable incorporated organisation should undertake, and we confirm we have reviewed our activities, and they are all undertaken with a view to us providing a public benefit.

may be raised. SUDC UK’S financial performance will tracked by the CEO and critically reviewed quarterly by the board of trustees.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee

Financial review

Summary

l The statement of financial activities shows total income for the year of £400,650 up from £299,839 and total expenditure of £139,215 down from £271,727. This leaves a total surplus of £261,435 for the year, which is down to a timing difference between income generation and spending because of the timing of when we have committed the grant funding.

l We have transferred £297,781 from our unrestricted funding to designated reserves as we have specifically reserved this amount for future spending to support research in 2025 (as articulated on page 6 of this report). -We finish the year with total reserves of £403,217 carried forward and split between Unrestricted Funds of £105,436 and Designated Funds of £297,781.

Reserves policy

Reserves to sustain the charity are calculated by adding together the minimal operating costs to sustain the charity and progress our mission in 2025 (including emergency salary fund for charity sustainability and systems and membership costs), and any restricted funds.

The expectation is that the above, under normal circumstances will be funded using 2025 income. However, to mitigate risk & keep the charity sustainable if income is limited, this reserve amount will be kept as a designated fund in a 60 –day access CAF account during 2025.

The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds

On the 27 October 2017 SUDC-UK was registered with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: C Gooden, H Charalambous, A Milliken, C Bingham (Appointed 9 January 2024), M Finn (Appointed 9 January 2024)

The composition of the Board of Trustees is governed by the CIO’s constitution.The Board meets quarterly, or more frequently, if required. There are sub committees covering Research, finance and Communication. A manager, appointed by the Trustees, is responsible for day-to-day activities and meets with the chair of trustees monthly.

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Trustees are elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. The Trustees may co-opt further trustees during the year who will serve until the following Annual General Meeting. All members are circulated with invitations prior to the Annual General Meeting, advising them of the names due to resign and requesting nominations for the Annual General Meeting

The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees

H Charalambous

Trustee 29 October 2025 Date:

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SUDC UK

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of SUDC UK (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements 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 now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. 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:

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 financial statements to be reached.

Thomas Mayfield BA FCA

Mayfield & Co (Accountants) Ltd 2 Merus Court Meridian Business Park Leicester LE19 1RJ 28 October 2025 Date:

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SUDC UK ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Statement of financial activities including income and expenditure account For the year ended 31 December 2024

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
designated
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
399,824
-
Investments
4
826
-
Total income
400,650
-
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
139,215
-
Total expenditure
139,215
-
Net income
261,435
-
Transfers between funds
(297,781)
297,781
Net movement in funds
(36,346)
297,781
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2024
141,782
-
Fund balances at 31 December 2024
105,436
297,781		 Total
Unrestricted
funds
general
2024
2023
£
£
399,824
299,421
826
418
400,650
299,839
139,215
271,727
139,215
271,727
261,435
28,112
-
-
261,435
28,112
141,782
113,670
403,217
141,782		 Total
Unrestricted
funds
general
2024
2023
£
£
399,824
299,421
826
418
400,650
299,839
139,215
271,727
139,215
271,727
261,435
28,112
-
-
261,435
28,112
141,782
113,670
403,217
141,782
299,839
271,727
271,727
28,112
-
28,112
113,670
141,782

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure from continuing activities. derived from continuing activities.

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Balance sheet BALANCE SHEET as at 31 December 2024 AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Current assets
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
11
Net current assets
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds - general
13
Unrestricted funds - designated
12		 2024
£
1,270
406,383
407,653
(4,436)		 2023
£
£
-
247,233
247,233
(105,451)
403,217
105,436
297,781
403,217		 £
141,782
141,782
-
141,782

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on ......................... The financial statements were approved by the trustees on

.............................. H Charalambous Trustee 29 October 2025

H. Charalambous Trustee

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Notes to the financial statements NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2024 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

SUDC UK was granted charitable status on the 27 October 2017 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.

The financial statements 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 Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

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Notes to the financial statements NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) For the year ended 31 December 2024 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 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 is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.7 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 measures at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans, which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.8 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

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Notes to the financial statements NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) For the year ended 31 December 2024 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Donations and gifts 399,824 299,421
Donations and gifts
General Giving 394,317 295,593
Gift Aid tax reclaimed 5,507 3,828
399,824 299,421

4 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Interest receivable 826 418

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Notes to the financial statements NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) For the year ended 31 December 2024 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5 Expenditure on charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
fund fund
2024 2023
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 78,665 49,138
Cost of sales 4,963 3,400
Accountancy - 870
Advertising/Promotion 2,015 1,587
Events 18,050 14,263
Bank charges - 4,802
Computer costs 3,732 1,634
Conferences - 177
Contractor costs 1,065 4,357
Gifts 720 467
Insurance 573 283
Printing, postage and stationery 4,502 3,199
Office expenses 1,696 2,518
Professional fees 1,120 3,354
Entertainment 624 465
Travel and subsistence 3,188 3,904
Other charitable expenditure 4,004 5,113
124,917 99,531
Grant funding of activities (see note 6) 3,165 172,196
Share of support and governance costs (see note 7)
Governance 11,133 -
139,215 271,727
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general 139,215 271,727
6 Grants payable
Unrestricted Unrestricted
fund fund
2024 2023
£ £
Grants to institutions:
SUDCRRC Grant - 172,196
Grants to individuals (3 grants) 3,165 -

32 WWW.SUDC.ORG.UK

Docusign Envelope ID: 7A66867F-8CD2-46C1-99C0-E4BFFF228F13

SUDC UK ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Notes to the financial statements NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) For the year ended 31 December 2024 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6 Grants payable

(Continued)

The charity paid a grant in 2024 which was reserved in 2023. No new grants were approved in 2024 and so there were no new grants provided for 2024.

The trustees approved a new grants programme in March 2025 and so these grants will feature next year.

In 2023 there were 3 grants provided to SUDCRRC for the following purposes:

£100,000 for Phenotyping, genetic analyses and blinded multidisciplinary case reviews, creation of SUDC biorepository

£31,766 for Project ‘Video Recordings of Sudden Deaths in Toddlers’

£40,430 for Project ‘Febrile Seizure Characteristics in Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood’

In 2024 there were 3 grants provided to individuals for travel for research purposes.

7 Support costs allocated to activities

Governance costs
Analysed between:
Unrestricted fund
Governance costs comprise:
Staff costs
Independent examiner's fees
Bank charges		 2024
£
11,133
11,133
2024
£
4,140
1,500
5,493
11,133		 2023
£
-
-
2023
£
-
-
-
-

8 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

9 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

WWW.SUDC.ORG.UK 33

Docusign Envelope ID: 7A66867F-8CD2-46C1-99C0-E4BFFF228F13 SUDC UK ANNUAL REPORT 202 43

Notes to the financial statements NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) For the year ended 31 December 2024 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10 Debtors

Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Prepayments and accrued income
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2024
£
1,270
2024
£
2,096
513
327
1,500
4,436		 2023
£
-
2023
£
2,116
2,065
100,400
870
105,451

11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

12 Unrestricted funds - designated

These are designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 January Transfers At 31 December
2024 2024
£ £ £
Funds for Designated Projects and Research - 297,781 297,781

The trustees have decided to allocate funds of £297,781 for future designated projects and research.

13 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used.

At 1 January Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 December Transfers At 31 December
2024 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 141,782 400,650 (139,215) (297,781) 105,436
Previous year: At 1 January Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 December
2023 resources expended 2023
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 113,670 299,839 (271,727) - 141,782

34 WWW.SUDC.ORG.UK

Docusign Envelope ID: 7A66867F-8CD2-46C1-99C0-E4BFFF228F13

SUDC UK ANNUAL REPORT 2024

Notes to the financial statements NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) For the year ended 31 December 2024 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

14 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
designated
2024
2024
£
£
At 31 December 2024:
Current assets/(liabilities)
105,436
297,781
105,436
297,781
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
designated
2023
2023
£
£
At 31 December 2023:
Current assets/(liabilities)
141,782
-
141,782
-		 Total
2024
£
403,217
403,217
Total
2023
£
141,782
141,782

15 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

WWW.SUDC.ORG.UK

35

Docusign Envelope ID 7A66867F-8CD246C1-99CO-E4BFFF228F13 SUDC*UK Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood an affiliate 0£ the SUDC Foundation REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1175413 WWW.SUDC.ORG.UK