Charity Registration No. 1194275
LITTLE HERO ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
LITTLE HERO
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
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Trustees Mr John Rainsbury (Chair)
Mr Neil Lippiatt
Mr Steven Phillips
Charity Number 1194275
Registered Office Burnbridge Cottage
Cadeligh
Tiverton
Devon
EX16 8RY
Independent examiner Tyler Jeffs
T Jeffs Accounting Services Limited
36 Dean Close
Banbury
OX16 3WA
Bankers Lloyds Bank Plc
16 Market Place
Oldham
OL1 1JG
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LITTLE HERO
CONTENTS
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Page
Trustees' report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes to the financial statements 7 - 13
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LITTLE HERO
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The trustees present their 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 articles of association, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practise 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)".
Significant Change
The charitable activities including 'Will's Woodland' were taken over by this Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2024. Acitivty prior to the transfer was reported in the Chariable Trust of the same name), this has now been wound up.
Objectives and activities
The charity's objects are:
• To support children and their families going through cancer treatment.
- To fund research into new treatments and practical solutions for high risk paediatric brain tumours.
The policies adopted in furtherance of these objectives are:
Fundraising
Our supporters raised a total of £20,511 since the CIO transfer of activities. The remainder was the transfer from the Charitable Trust.
Research
Little Hero has not added to the £100,000 provided to INSTINCT II, one of the leading UK research efforts into medulloblastoma. This is a 5 year joint collaboration between the main UK brain tumour research centres in the UK and the primary research programme into high-risk paediatric brain tumours. It aims to bridge the gap between biological discovery and clinical practice by developing tailored and targeted treatments for these high-risk brain tumours. The programme has already seen published successes in the identification of new cancer proteins that future treatments can be developed to target.
Support
‘Will’s Woodland’, had a full year of operation in 2024. Children undergoing treatment for cancer and their families have been able to take short breaks away from the hospital in the peace and tranquillity of the countryside. During 2024 we supported 39 families for an average of 3 nights each.
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LITTLE HERO
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Objectives and activities (continued)
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
Fundraising
The charity continues to fundraise successfully in the community and as necessary Charitable Grants to support the operation of Will’s Woodland.
Research
Our major £100,000 grant to the INSTINCT II programme being led from Newcastle University is well underway. There have been 2 published papers outlining significant scientific advancements that can provide a platform for future treatments.
Support
Will’s Woodland, a destination for families in treatment to take a break from hospital and home, in safety and seclusion.
It has proved a huge success with 39 families hosted for a 3 night stay in 2024. It is clear families on treatment have had few other options for a break prior to our launch. The impact of their visits has been universally positive and you can review some of there experiences at www.littlehero.org.uk/shortbreaks . These continue under the new CIO structure.
Financial Review
During the period the charity had income of £174,256 (2023: £Nil) and expenditure of £8,775 (2023: £77) resulting in a net surplus of £165,481 (2023: deficit of £73). At the year end funds comprised £165,904 (2023: £423) in unrestricted funds. This reflects the transfer of activities and assets to this charity from Little Hero (charity no.1185193).
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to three months' expenditure. 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 may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year, however has not been maintained at the year end due to the fact the charity is being wound up.
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is a CIO founded on 29 April 2021.
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LITTLE HERO
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Structure, governance and management (continued)
The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mr John Rainsbury
Nr Neil Lippiatt Mr Steven Phillips
New Trustees are recruited through recommendation from the current Trustees. All new Trustees undergo personalised training to enable them to complete their role.
Public Benefit Statement
During the year ended 31 December 2024 Little Hero has focused on research and support to young people impacted by cancer. The Trustees deem the charity to be of public benefit through the donations it makes to research, the running of Will's Woodland and support it gives to young people.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Mr John Rainsbury Chair
Date: 23rd September 2025
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LITTLE HERO
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF LITTLE HERO
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Little Hero (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act").
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in conjunction 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.
….............................................. Tyler Jeffs T Jeffs Accounting Services Ltd 36 Dean Close Banbury OX16 3WA
Date: 23rd September 2025
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LITTLE HERO
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Total Income Expenditure on: Raising funds 4 Charitable activities Supporting Young People with Brain Cancer 5 Total charitable expenditure Total expenditure Net Income (expenditure) for the year / Net movement in finds Fund balances at 1 January 2024 Fund balances at 31 December 2024 |
Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ 174,256 174,256 - 8,775 8,775 8,775 165,481 423 165,904 |
Total 2024 £ 174,256 174,256 - 8,775 8,775 8,775 165,481 423 165,904 |
Total 2023 £ - - - 77 77 77 (77) 500 423 |
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The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year
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LITTLE HERO
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 10 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 11 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Income funds Unrestricted funds |
£ 44,415 44,415 (650) |
2024 £ 122,139 43,765 165,904 165,904 165,904 |
£ 423 423 - |
2023 £ - 423 423 423 423 |
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The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 23rd September 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
…....................................
J Rainsbury
Chair
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LITTLE HERO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Little Hero is a CIO founded on 29 April 2021.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's articles of association and "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 charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
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 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.
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LITTLE HERO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
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.
1.5 Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation commiting the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that the transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of that obligation can be measured reliably.
Costs of generating funds are recognised as monies directly spent on fundraising activities, primarily that of fundraising events. These are further analysed in the notes to the accounts.
Expenditure on charitable activities are those costs incurred directly on the furtherance of the charities charitable objects. These costs are further analysed in the notes to the accounts.
Each charitable activity also receives a time-weighted share of support and governance costs.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost of valuation, net of depreciation and impairment losses.
Depreciation is any recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual value over their useful lives on the following bases:
Leasehold Land and buildings 5 - 20 Years Straight Line Fixtures and Fittings 5 Years Straight Line
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale
proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.
1.7 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
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LITTLE HERO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1 Accounting policies
1.8 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.
1.9 Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments' and Section 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues' of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforcable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initally measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the
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.
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LITTLE HERO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 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 Donations and Legacies
| Donated fixed assets (from Charity No. 1185193) Transfer from Little Hero (Charity No. 1185193) Donations and gifts |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 124,776 28,969 20,511 174,256 |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ - - - - |
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4 Raising funds
| Fundraising and publicity Advertising materials Staging fundraising events |
Unrestriced funds 2024 £ - - - |
Unrestriced funds 2023 £ - - - |
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LITTLE HERO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
5 Charitable activities
| Supporting Young People with Brain Cancer 2024 £ Respite holiday expenditure 181 Repairs and Maintenance 2,715 Cleaning 36 Light and Heat 894 3,826 Share of support costs (see note 6) 4,299 Share of governance costs (see note 6) 650 8,775 Analysed by fund Unrestricted Funds 8,775 Supporting Young People with Brain Cancer 2023 £ Respite holiday expenditure - - Share of support costs (see note 6) 73 Share of governance costs (see note 6) - 73 Analysed by fund Unrestricted Funds 73 73 |
Total 2024 £ 181 2,715 36 894 3,826 4,299 - 8,125 8,125 Total 2023 £ - - 73 - 73 73 73 |
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LITTLE HERO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
6 Support Costs
| Support Costs £ Bank Charges 42 Other Costs 259 Depreciation 3,914 IT costs 84 Independent Examiners Fee - 4,299 Analysed between Charitable activities 4,299 |
Governance Costs £ - - - - 650 650 650 |
2024 £ 42 259 3,914 84 650 4,949 4,949 |
Support Costs £ 73 - - - - 73 73 |
Governance Costs £ - - - - - - - |
2023 £ 73 - - - - 73 73 |
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Governance costs includes payments to the independent examiners of £650 (2023: £Nil) for accounts preparation and independent examination fees.
7 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
8 Employees
There were no employees during the year.
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LITTLE HERO
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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9 Tangible fixed assets
Land and Fixtures and Total
Buildings Fittings
£ £ £
Cost
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At 1 January 2024
Additions 111,287 14,766 126,053
At 31 December 2024 111,287 14,766 126,053
Depreciation and impairment
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At 1 January 2024
Depreciation charged in the year 2,747 1,167 3,914
At 31 December 2024 2,747 1,167 3,914
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024 108,540 13,599 122,139
At 31 December 2023 - - -
10 Creditors
2024 2023
£ £
Amounts falling due within one year:
Accruals and deferred income 650 -
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