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2023-12-31-accounts

Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023 for OPA Cancer Charity

Davies Archytas Accountants Ltd 14, The Oaks, Clews Road, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 7ST

Registered Company Number: Ce025388 (England And Wales) Registered Charity Number: 1194327

OPA Cancer Charity

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 6
Independent Examiner's Report 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Balance Sheet 9 to 10
Notes to the Financial Statements 11 to 14

OPA Cancer Charity

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

The Trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Our organisation is dedicated to raising awareness of oesophageal and gastric cancer and promoting early detection and treatment. In addition, we also focus on educating the public about acid reflux, which is a common condition that can lead to these types of cancers. This annual report outlines our progress and achievements in the past year.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

In setting our strategies and plans, we have referred to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, including PB2 2 "Public benefit: running a charity'.

The OPA meets 3 of the 13 charitable purposes recognised by the Charities Act 2011:

All services provided to patients, families and carers are free of charge.

The OPA's objectives are defined in its Constitution as:

To alleviate or assist in alleviating the physical or mental distress of any persons affected in any way by oesophageal and gastric cancer and related conditions ("the Conditions") in particular but not exclusively by:

Significant activities

Over the past year, we have carried out several activities to achieve our objectives, including:

Raising Awareness:

We have coordinated numerous campaigns aimed at increasing awareness about oesophageal and gastric cancer, stressing the significance of early detection and treatment. Collaborating with local health clinics and hospitals, we have worked to educate the public on recognising the symptoms of these cancers.

Education:

We have furnished health professionals with educational materials elucidating the connection between acid reflux and oesophageal and gastric cancer. Additionally, we have promoted awareness regarding acid reflux, its underlying causes and effective management strategies.

Support for patients:

We have extended support to thousands of patients and their families grappling with oesophageal and gastric cancer, offering personalised buddy services, support groups and financial aid to those facing challenges.

Oesophageal cancer ranks as the 7[th] leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the UK, while Oesophago-Gastric cancer stands as the 5[th] most prevalent cancer. Since its establishment in 1985, the OPA has remained steadfast in its mission to assist patients, caregivers and families through complimentary publications, resources and access to one-on-one support via the OPA cancer support helpline.

Operating without government funding, the OPA relies solely on the generosity of the public and donations. All OPA publications and resources are distributed free of charge to individuals, NHS Hospital Trusts, Macmillan & Maggie’s Centres and private clinics. Each year, thousands of these booklets are printed and regularly updated with the assistance of healthcare professionals to reflect dietary adjustments and relevant patient pathways. Additionally, the OPA facilitates free patient and carer Zoom Meetings and one-on-one consultations to offer personalised support.

Page 1

OPA Cancer Charity

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Achievement and performance

Achievements

We offer individualised support via telephone and Zoom for those reaching out to us through our dedicated support helpline, e-mail, social media platforms, virtual chat and Health Unlocked Community forum pages. Our website and all our informative literature are esteemed as reliable resources on related conditions and available treatments, sought after by organisations such as Macmillan, Maggie’s Centres, NHS Trusts as well as patients, caregivers and their families.

A significant aspect of the OPA’s advocacy revolves around preventing oesophageal and gastric cancer. We collaborate closely with Reflux UK, a leading provider of reflux diagnosis in the UK, to emphasise the importance of recognising and addressing reflux symptoms, including persistent heartburn regurgitation, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, chest pain, cough, asthma, nausea and shortness of breath.

Through social media outreach, surveys and editorial features, we aim to elevate awareness of reflux symptoms, as many individuals with oesophageal and gastric cancer experience these symptoms prior to diagnosis. Our partnership with Reflux UK has been mutually beneficial, fostering information sharing. In the future, we plan to host joint events to amplify the message: “Don’t ignore Acid Reflux and its symptoms”.

Reflux Awareness Week

In November 2023, we launched our fourth successful Acid Reflux awareness week, coinciding with Thanksgiving in the USA and observed globally. Did you know? Over 65 million people in the UK, with an estimated 1 in 10 suffering from Reflux Disease. This condition can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, affecting various aspects of daily functioning. While lifestyle adjustments and medications like omeprazole, lansoprazole and others prescribed by GPs can effectively manage symptoms for many, there are over 2 million individuals in the UK who don’t respond adequately to these treatments. For them, exploring alternative options becomes crucial.

Our campaign conveyed three key messages:

1) Get Educated

Reflux encompasses more than just heartburn. We aimed to raise awareness about the diverse symptoms associated with the condition.

2) Get Evaluated

For patients for whom lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient, we highlighted the importance of undergoing tests to accurately assess the extent of their condition, facilitating tailored treatment plans.

3) Get Treated

We aimed to empower patients with knowledge about the array of treatment options available, enabling informed discussions with their GPs or Reflux Centres.

In close collaboration with Reflux UK and Astellas Pharmaceutical Company, we facilitated patients’ participation in an educational research program for staff members. Additionally, our Patron Fiona Wade strongly promotes and supports the charity with awareness videos and encourages our campaign.

We eagerly anticipate next year’s Reflux Awareness Week, where we aim to build upon the successes and insights gained in 2023.

Nominated as Charity of the Year by Women On The Move Against Cancer (WOMAC – https://womac.co.uk/en-us/).

Winners of Healthcare Support NPO of the Year 2023/24 and Global Medical Awareness NPO of the Year 2023/24.

“The judging panel was particularly impressed by the breadth of support offered to patients, carers and their families. The OPA Cancer Charity ensures its comprehensive range of support services are entirely free for patients and their families, as it guides them through the aftermath of diagnosis and is an encouraging, supportive figure during the challenging post treatment phase. One-to-one support, patient buddy services and support groups are the focal points of OPA’s patient services, whilst its strong presence on social media acts as an encouraging online resource too. The dedicated support offered is personalised to each patient, with their specific requirements placed at the core of OPA’s unwavering efforts”.

Page 2

OPA Cancer Charity

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Achievement and performance

We have expanded our presence to four social media platforms, offering an additional avenue to raise awareness about personal stories, oesophageal and gastric cancer, acid reflux and related conditions. With over one million hits on our website and continuous growth, we are planning to rebrand and invest in new website development in 2024. Additionally, we have maintained our commitment to distributing OPA resources, newsletters, and mailshots to patients, carers, families, healthcare professionals, NHS Trusts, Maggie’s and Macmillan all free of charge.

Teddies/Mental Health

The OPA continued the ‘used teddy’ program where volunteers dress up donated teddy bears, adding a touch of fun to a project that is proven to be highly successful. Despite their simple appearance, teddy bears can profoundly impact mental health and wellbeing.

These cuddly companions serve as comforting tools, offering solace to individuals facing mental health challenges. The soft, reassuring presence of a teddy bear can instil a sense of security and tranquility during moments of stress or anxiety. Holding onto a teddy bear can alleviate feelings of isolation and serve as a tangible reminder of emotional support.

Moreover, teddy bears can instil a sense of purpose and responsibility, servicing as a positive distraction from negative thoughts and emotions. Therapists sometimes incorporate teddy bears into their sessions to help clients express their feelings or navigate difficult emotions.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

We recorded a surplus of £81k for the year ended 31 December 2023 (2022 - £40k).

Investment policy

Our policy is to invest cash resources in a risk-free environment while seeking to maximise the return. For the year ended 31 December 2023 interest amounting to £6,691 was received in the year (2022 - £773).

Reserves

We aim to hold sufficient reserves to allow our charity activities to continue even if there is a short-term reduction in our income.

We express our reserves in terms of months of expenditure. To reach our reserves figure, we take our total funds, subtract restricted and designated funds and compare this with our annual expenditure.

As of 31 December 2023, our unrestricted/undesignated funds amounted to £437k (2022 - £366k) and our expenditure for the year was £193k (2022 - £204k).

Risks

Our main financial risk is an unexpected reduction in our income. We do not have investments that would traditionally be of high risk.

Page 3

OPA Cancer Charity

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

FUTURE PLANS

Looking ahead, The Charity's aims for 2024:

In 2024/25, we plan to expand our activities to achieve the following objectives:

Increase Awareness:

Our approach involves expanding our awareness campaigns and widening our reach to connect with a larger audience. Collaborating with other organisations is also a key part of our strategy to enhance awareness of oesophageal and gastric cancer, acid reflux and related conditions.

Education:

Expanding our educational initiatives for both healthcare professionals and the public remains a priority. We aim to keep individuals abreast of the latest advancements in detecting and treating oesophageal and gastric cancer, as well as to promote the availability of new diagnostic testing for acid reflux.

Support for Patients:

Improving our support services for patients, caregivers and their families is a core aspect of our strategy. This includes expanding one-to-one assistance and strengthening our online support resources. Additionally, our website will serve as a valuable tool to broaden patient options and access to support.

Conclusion:

In the last year, we have made substantial strides in increasing awareness about reflux disease, oesophageal and gastric cancer and the significance of early detection and treatment. Our commitment to those objectives remains resolute as we continue to offer support to individuals and families affected by these cancers.

Page 4

OPA Cancer Charity

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an incorporated charity.

The OPA is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation from 1 January 2022, registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (number 1194327).

The Committee meets at least twice, and usually six times, a year, but trustees are in frequent contact by phone or e-mail at other times.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

CE025388 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1194327

Registered office

Unit 4 Bordesley Hall Farm Barns Storrage Lane Alvechurch B48 7ES

Trustees

J Campolini (Chair) S Brinkworth J Jankowski (resigned 5.4.23) W Docherty G Fullarton R P Lumb (resigned 21.4.23) P Wright (appointed 21.4.23) L Hamper (appointed 7.9.23)

Independent Examiner

Davies Archytas Accountants Ltd 14, The Oaks Clews Road Redditch Worcestershire B98 7ST

Bankers

HSBC 34 Poplar Road Solihull B91 3AF

Page 5

OPA Cancer Charity

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Patrons

Fiona Wade

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 31 May 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

J Campolini - Trustee

Page 6

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of OPA Cancer Charity

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of OPA Cancer Charity ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Daryl Davies FCCA

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

Davies Archytas Accountants Ltd

14, The Oaks Clews Road Redditch Worcestershire B98 7ST

31 May 2024

Page 7

OPA Cancer Charity

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
256,687
Investment income
3
6,691
Total
263,378
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
34,757
Charitable activities
Patient Support Booklets
33,251
Newsletters and Mailshots
6,334
Awareness/Reflux
14,500
Patients Meetings and Events
14,000
Help Line
19,000
Grants
53,835
Bed Wedges
11,084
Support Group Development
6,333
Total
193,094
Funds introduced from The Oesophageal
Patients Association
(Charity No. 1062461)
-
NET INCOME
70,284
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
366,310
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
436,594		 Restricted
funds
£
11,000
-
11,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11,000
34,427
45,427		 31.12.23

Total
funds
£
267,687
6,691
274,378
34,757
33,251
6,334
14,500
14,000
19,000
53,835
11,084
6,333
193,094
-
81,284
400,737
482,021		 31.12.22
Total
funds
£
243,041
773
243,814
50,805
32,078
6,110
13,998
13,498
18,330
51,936
10,693
6,110
203,558
360,481
400,737
-
400,737

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 8

OPA Cancer Charity

Balance Sheet 31 December 2023

Balance Sheet
31 December 2023
Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at bank
467,716
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
6
(31,122)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
436,594
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
436,594
NET ASSETS
436,594
FUNDS
7
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Restricted
funds
£
45,427
-
45,427
45,427
45,427		 31.12.23
Total
funds
£
513,143
(31,122)
482,021
482,021
482,021
436,594
45,427
482,021		 31.12.22
Total
funds
£
400,737
-
400,737
400,737
400,737

366,310
34,427

400,737

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

The notes form part of these financial statements

continued...

Page 9

OPA Cancer Charity

Balance Sheet - continued

31 December 2023

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 31 May 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

S Brinkworth - Trustee

J Campolini - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 10

OPA Cancer Charity

for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Notes to the Financial Statements

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations
Gift aid
Legacies
Grants
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
Grants		 31.12.23
£
137,489
2,260
61,443
66,495
267,687
31.12.23
£
66,495		 31.12.22
£
105,646
1,319
65,379
70,697

243,041
31.12.22
£
70,697

continued...

Page 11

OPA Cancer Charity

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

3. INVESTMENT INCOME

INVESTMENT INCOME
31.12.23 31.12.22
£ £
Interest 6,691 773

4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2023 nor for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Trustees' expenses

Trustee expenses for the year ending 31 December 2023 amounted to £658 (2022 - £502).

5. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
funds
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
208,614
Investment income
773
Total
209,387
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
50,805
Charitable activities
Patient Support Booklets
32,078
Newsletters and Mailshots
6,110
Awareness/Reflux
13,998
Patients Meetings and Events
13,498
Help Line
18,330
Grants
51,936
Bed Wedges
10,693
Support Group Development
6,110
Total
203,558
Funds introduced from The Oesophageal
Patients Association
(Charity No. 1062461)
360,481
NET INCOME
366,310
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
366,310		 Restricted
funds
£
34,427
-
34,427
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
34,427
34,427		 Total
funds
£
243,041
773
243,814
50,805
32,078
6,110
13,998
13,498
18,330
51,936
10,693
6,110
203,558
360,481
400,737
400,737

continued...

Page 12

OPA Cancer Charity

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Notes to the Financial Statements-continued
for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
6. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.12.23 31.12.22
£ £
Credit card 548 -
Accrued expenses 30,574 -
31,122 -
7. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Other
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
Other
Restricted funds
Other
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparatives for movement in funds
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Other
TOTAL FUNDS
Other
Other		 At 1.1.23
£
34,427
400,737
Incoming
resources
£
263,378
11,000
274,378
At 1.1.22
£
-
-
366,310
-		 Net
movement
At
in funds
31.12.23
£
£
11,000
45,427
81,284
482,021
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(193,094)
70,284
-
11,000
(193,094)
81,284
Net
movement
At
in funds
31.12.22
£
£
34,427
34,427
400,737
400,737
70,284
436,594
366,310
366,310

continued...

Page 13

OPA Cancer Charity

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued

for the Year Ended 31 December 2023

7. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
Other
Restricted funds
Other
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
209,387
34,427
243,814		 Resources
expended
£
(203,558)
-
(203,558)		 Funds
Movement
introduced
in funds
£
£
360,481
366,310
-
34,427
360,481
400,737

8. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Page 14