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2024-03-31-accounts

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS

1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024

Fight Bladder Cancer was registered as an unincorporated charity in England and Wales on 8 July 2014 (1157763).

Fight Bladder Cancer was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 28 April 2022 (1198773) and recognised as a cross-border charity in Scotland on 27 July 2022 (SC051881).

The Charity Commission of England and Wales approved merging the unincorporated charity with the Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 19 April 2023.

CONTENTS

CONTENTS
INTRODUCING
Fight Bladder Cancer 2
Introduction 2
Reference & administrative details 3
Structure, governance &
management 5
Our history 7
Our team 11
Our volunteers 14
ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE 16
Fight Bladder Cancer by numbers 18
AWARENESS 19
Increasing awareness 19
Fight Bladder Cancer in the news 19
Other resources 21
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month 22
Fight Bladder Cancer Ofcially
Registered as a Charity in Scotland 24
OUR SUPPORT SERVICES 25
Private online forum 25
Online forum statistics 25
Zoom support groups 26
Phone, email, web and social media
support 27
Patient Information Booklets 28
POLICY 31
Patient advocates making
a diference 31
Steering Group for England, Wales
and Northern Ireland 32
National Cancer Plans - England 32
Scottish Parliament Event 33
Scottish Parliament highlights the
importance of increasing awareness
of bladder cancer 34
Fight Bladder Cancer gets NHS24’s
Haematuria Guidelines Updated 34
Scottish Cancer Conference 34
Innovative Licensing and Access
Pathway Patient Reference Group 34
National Bladder Cancer Audit 34
RESEARCH 35
Quality of Life 35
Contributions to research 35
Supporting research projects 37
FINANCIAL REVIEW 38
Where our money comes from 38
How we spend the money 39
Partnerships 40
Fundraising by friends of
Fight Bladder Cancer 40
Financial review 46
Future plans 48
Independent examiner’s report 54
Statement of fnancial activities 56
Balance sheet 57
Statement of cash fow 58
Notes to the fnancial statements 59

Introducing Fight Bladder Cancer

The Trustees present their annual report and the financial statements of the Charity for the year ending 31 March 2024. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Charity’s governing document, and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (SORP FRS 102) (edition October 2019, effective January 2019), and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

OUR VISION

A future where everyone survives bladder cancer and lives long and well.

OUR MISSION

To lead the fight against bladder cancer, driven by patient and family insights.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The Charity’s objectives are set out in its constitution, as summarised below:

Fight Bladder Cancer is the voice of all those affected by bladder cancer in the UK. The Charity was founded by patients and carers and will keep the patient at the heart of all our work. We are making a difference, but there is still much more to do.

We will continue to fight bladder cancer for as long as there is a need.

OUR VALUES

Patient-led Compassionate Action-orientated Ambitious

2

Reference & administrative details

Registered Office:

The Village Centre, High Street, Chinnor, Oxfordshire OX39 4DH.

Charity Number

Fight Bladder Cancer was registered as an unincorporated charity in England and Wales on 8 July 2014.

Fight Bladder Cancer was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 28 April 2022 (1198773) and recognised as a cross-border charity in Scotland on 27 July 2022 (SC051881).

The Charity Commission of England and Wales approved merging the unincorporated charity with the Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 19 April 2023

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The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements of this Charitable Incorporated Organisation were:

Since 28 April 2022 Since 28 April 2022 (resigned 13 June 2023) Since 11 May 2017 Since 28 April 2022 Since 28 April 2022 Since 28 April 2022 Since 31 October 2023 Since 31 October 2023

Alison Jane Birtle Valerie Ann Hester Deborah Jean Major

Danielle Greenan (née Marr) Dorothy Mary Markham Paul Ian Michaels Andrew Richard Dearden Hilary Mary Baker Johnstone Shaw

Principal Staff

Dr Lydia Makaroff, Phd, CEO Melanie Costin, Interim CEO Sue Williams, Office Manager

Bankers

Lloyds Bank PLC 27–31 White Hart Street High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP11 2HL

Solicitors

Brian S. Regler REGLER & COMPANY 98 High Street Thame Oxon OX9 3EH

Independent Examiners

Charles Ssempijja FCA NfP Accountants Ltd Chartered Accountants 3rd Floor, 86-90 Paul Street London EC2A 4NE

4

Structure, governance & management

Status and Governing Document

Fight Bladder Cancer became registered as an unincorporated charity on 8 July 2014. The unincorporated charity is governed by its present constitution, which was adopted on 14 July 2013 and amended on 29 June 2014.

Fight Bladder Cancer was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 28 April 2022 (1198773) and recognised as a cross-border charity in Scotland on 27 July 2022 (SC051881). The Charitable Incorporated Organisation is governed by its present constitution, which was registered on 28 April 2022.

Public benefit

Our work delivers public benefit by providing information, advice and support to anyone affected by a bladder cancer diagnosis. Our activities aim to reach diverse audiences, ensuring equity in awareness and support services.

This information and support help people live better with their bladder cancer by reducing the isolation that can come with a bladder cancer diagnosis, providing clarity on their treatment options and improving their quality of life with strategies to minimise the negative impact of treatment.

Our Bladder Cancer Awareness Month campaign reaches a broader audience, equipping people with awareness of the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer. This empowers them to speak with their GP Practice if they have any concerns and increases the likelihood of earlier diagnosis and effective treatment. In addition to this, we are actively expanding our outreach efforts. A growing aspect of our awareness work involves reaching out to other

organisations, such as trade unions and professional bodies, by participating in their meetings and conferences. This initiative aims to raise our profile and further disseminate valuable information.

Our website, posters, handouts and information booklets raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of bladder cancer among patients, carers, GPs, consultants, nurse specialists and other healthcare professionals – increasing the likelihood of earlier diagnosis and effective treatment.

Our booklets also provide much needed, accessible information for patients and health professionals on aspects of the bladder cancer journey, thus enhancing the care of bladder cancer patients.

The Trustees affirm their commitment to the guidelines on public benefit set forth by both the Charity Commission and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.

In making decisions and setting strategies, due regard has always been given to the guidance provided by these regulatory bodies to ensure that our activities and objectives consistently deliver public benefit. This commitment is fundamental to our operations and guides our actions as we strive to support individuals and communities affected by bladder cancer.

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Board of Trustees

The Trustees are responsible for the governance and strategy of the Charity. The constitution of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (1198773) requires a minimum of three and a maximum of 13 Trustees at any one time.

During this financial year, all Trustee meetings were held via Zoom.

The Board of Trustees established a balanced mix of governance, business, healthcare and administration skills. The majority of our Trustees continue to be bladder cancer patients or carers.

Fight Bladder Cancer supports the principles of good governance in the Charity.

Governance Code for smaller charities.

Trustees have independent control over and legal responsibility for the Charity’s management and administration.

They must: comply with the Charity’s governing document and the law; act in the Charity’s best interests; manage the Charity’s resources responsibly; act with reasonable care and skill; and ensure the Charity is accountable.

Trustees’ recruitment, induction and training

To recruit new Trustees, the Chair (with support from their fellow Trustees and the CEO) identifies the skills and insight required on the board to deliver the Charity’s strategy. A volunteer job specification is drafted and approved before being advertised widely. This includes Fight Bladder Cancer’s social media outlets, online recruitment sites and a direct approach to individuals with the appropriate skill sets.

On appointment, the new Trustees attend an induction via Zoom with the principal staff and identify areas in which they may wish to take a particular interest. New Trustees are provided with an induction pack, including a copy of the constitution, recent Trustee board minutes, accounts, financial reports and helpful publications such as Scottish Charity Regulator’s Guidance and good practice for Charity Trustees and the Charity Commission’s The Essential Trustee .

RELATED PARTIES

Fight Bladder Cancer Trading Ltd was a related party of the Charity. It was wholly owned by the charity as its trading subsidiary. It was registered with Companies House with Company number 09988853. It was a private limited company incorporated on 4 February 2016. It was dissolved on 04 July 2023, because future trading activities will be carried out through the Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

The other related parties are the Trustees and those individuals connected with them, including family members, business associates, and other charities in which they are involved. Trustees’ terms of office vary, with some positions having fixed terms and others not. Trustees serve without remuneration for their roles. However, they are entitled to claim reimbursement for reasonable expenses, such as travel costs associated with attending Trustee meetings.

Each Trustee must disclose any potential or actual conflicts of interest to the Chair at Trustee meetings when relevant. In line with Charity Commission guidance, details of positions held by Trustees outside of the Charity are available to the public upon request from the Office Manager.

Potential applicants are invited to submit a CV and, if shortlisted, will be interviewed by the Chair and another Trustee.

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REMUNERATION POLICY FOR KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

Fight Bladder Cancer ensures fair and competitive remuneration for our staff, particularly key management personnel such as the CEO and Office Manager, to attract and retain the expertise necessary for effectively delivering our vision and mission. The Board of Trustees, responsible for setting these remuneration levels, adopts a comprehensive and multifaceted approach in its decision-making process.

This approach includes benchmarking against pay levels for CEOs in other charities of comparable size and income, alongside evaluating the skills, experience, and unique contributions of each individual. Additionally, the board carefully considers the need to attract and retain skilled individuals who can help achieve our charity’s goals, while maintaining fiscal responsibility and upholding our organisational values. This policy is part of our broader strategy to foster an inclusive and equitable work environment.

OUR HISTORY

Fight Bladder Cancer was founded by Andrew Winterbottom and his wife Tracy Staskevich in 2010 after Andrew’s diagnosis and subsequent Stage 4 bladder cancer diagnosis. They discovered a lack of available support for bladder cancer patients and their families in the UK and set out to provide that support through an online support forum and website. The charity officially became registered as an unincorporated charity in 2014 and has since focused on raising awareness for bladder cancer. In 2017, a new Board of Trustees was formed. In 2019, upon receiving a terminal bowel cancer diagnosis, Andrew stepped down, and recruited Dr Lydia Makaroff as the Chief Executive. Lydia now manages and leads the team with guidance from the Board of Trustees. Sadly, both Andrew and John Hester, who both served as Chair of Fight Bladder Cancer, passed away in 2019 and 2023, respectively. Deborah Major stepped up as Interim Chair of Fight Bladder Cancer after John Hester’s death in February 2023. Andrew Dearden was elected as the Chair of the Trustees in July 2023 and continues to lead the charity in collaboration with the other Trustees.

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OUR TRUSTEES

We are so grateful to our Trustees for the financial year 2023–24.

DEBORAH MAJOR

VICE CHAIR (1 APRIL 2022 – 11 FEBRUARY 2023)

Deb is a bladder cancer patient and a lecturer at Brockenhurst College – nationally recognised for excellence and innovation in further education based in New Forest. She is an active member of the private online Fight Bladder Cancer forum and has created amazing videos to share her reasons for supporting the charity. She has organised the Fight Bladder Cancer Southern Soirée, the Southampton bladder cancer support group, and the Bournemouth Bladder Cancer Wee Walk.

‘I was honoured to be asked to be a Trustee because I wanted to give back to the charity that had helped me through frightening times in my life.’

HILARY BAKER

CNS, BSC (Hons), MSC Hilary, Macmillan Lead Nurse Specialist in Uro-oncology at UCLH, has over thirty years in uro-oncology/surgical nursing. She holds an MSc in Cancer Studies and a BSc in Cancer and Palliative Care, and is an advanced nurse practitioner and nonmedical prescriber. Hilary provides leadership and clinical expertise in urological cancer care, playing a key role in developing patient pathways. On part-time secondment with NCLCA, she focuses on advancing cancer nursing in London.

‘The role of the CNS in supporting bladder cancer patients is pivotal to their care and facilitating high quality, personalised care to patients/clients and relatives/carers.’

PROFESSOR ALISON BIRTLE MB, BS, MRCP, FRCR, MD

Alison is a consultant oncologist, Manchester University Academic Health Science Centre Honorary Clinical Professor, and Honorary Clinical Professor at the University of Central Lancashire. Alison undertook general medical and specialist registrar oncology training in London Charing Cross and Westminster. She completed her MD thesis at the Institute of Urology, University College London, and the Academic Urology Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital. She is a past Chair of the National Cancer Research Institute bladder clinical study group. Her research interests include systemic therapy, chemoradiation, radiotherapy and survivorship.

‘There is much more to do to raise awareness and funding for this common cancer. The patient voice in bladder cancer must be heard.’

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DR ANDREW DEARDEN Andrew has been happily married for over 35 years, with three wonderful daughters, three marvellous sons in law and 5 grandchildren. He qualified as a GP in 1994, practicing in the Cardiff area. He was active in the British Medical Association serving in various roles both at Wales and UK levels finally as Treasurer of the British Medical Association until 2018. He has served on several Boards including the British Medical Association and British Medical Journal. He served as Treasurer of the World Medical Association and internal auditor for the CPME (Standing Committee for European Doctors). He returned to full-time GP Clinical work early in 2020 at the outbreak of the Covid pandemic. He has also served on several other charity boards in the past.

‘I joined the Trustee board of Fight Bladder Cancer to utilise my medical and financial skills to help develop and expand the excellent work of Fight Bladder Cancer.’

VALERIE HESTER Valerie was the carer of a bladder cancer patient. Before her retirement, she had a long career as a nurse and midwife within the NHS and

attained the position of Senior Midwifery Sister in North Powys. She has experience caring for patients with complex needs and worked to improve the quality of services and outcomes for patients and carers. She is passionate about nursing and believes everyone has the right to the highest possible standard of respectful medical care.

‘I became a Trustee because Fight Bladder Cancer is a worthy charity. I support its mission. All patients and carers are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect and should be fully involved in decisions affecting their treatment, care, and support.’

DR JOHNSTONE SHAW Johnstone trained and worked in gynaecology for a number of years before becoming a GP partner on the outskirts of Edinburgh for 35

years. For much of that time he worked at a senior level for NHS Education for Scotland with a special interest in doctor – patient communication and led the team that introduced appraisal for doctors. He developed bladder cancer in 2019 at the age of 64 and had a radical cystoprostatectomy.

‘I hope that I can help the work of Fight Bladder Cancer from my experience both as a doctor and as a bladder cancer patient.’

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DOROTHY MARKHAM CHAIR OF THE SCOTTISH STEERING GROUP

Dorothy was diagnosed with bladder cancer in February 2016. During her journey, she realised that there was very little information for the public on bladder cancer. She

got in touch with Andrew Winterbottom, founder of Fight Bladder Cancer, who taught her how to raise awareness and work for Fight Bladder Cancer. Scotland has been her home for over 40 years, so setting up a Scottish steering group four years ago gave her an excellent opportunity to move forward with Fight Bladder Cancer. The group has been able to get face-to-face meetings with many Scottish Members of the Scottish Parliament and keep them advised of developments within Scotland. She hopes to share her experiences in Scotland

to create a partnership based on a commitment to raising awareness, offering support and, as with all charities, raising more finance for research, staffing and other services.

‘As an older bladder cancer patient, who was 80 at the time of diagnosis, I have been pleased to share my journey with younger patients, I’m proud to chair the Fight Bladder Cancer Scottish Steering Group and to be a Fight Bladder Cancer trustee. Bladder cancer is overlooked and it’s not fair for the patients. So much work remains to be done to bring bladder cancer improvements up to speed in Scotland and in the UK. My determination to campaign and make the world a better place remains unwavering.’

DANIELLE GREENAN (NÉE MARR) (resigned 13 June 2023) VICE CHAIR SCOTTISH STEERING GROUP AND BLADDER CANCER PATIENT

Danielle is a bladder cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in 2015 whilst pregnant with her daughter. Danielle and Dorothy were invited to visit parliament and successfully secured a motion within the Scottish Government in 2020 to improve outcomes and raise awareness of bladder cancer. Danielle’s background is in healthcare administration, and she works as a treatment advisor at Spire Hospital in Edinburgh, where she has over ten years of experience. She has also worked as an emergency call handler for the Scottish Ambulance Service.

‘I understand how difficult the patient journey can be and feel it is important to try to make a difference to improve this in any way I can.’

PAUL MICHAELS Paul is a bladder cancer patient and a Managing Partner in an IT consulting company. He has many years of experience working for public and private industry clients – helping organisations improve their information technology and save money on their services. His capabilities includ. Some of his clients include businesses in the healthcare sector.

‘Fight Bladder Cancer has made such a difference to me. Through it all, I’ve had the Wee Family behind me.’

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OUR TEAM

DR LYDIA MAKAROFF

CHIEF EXECUTIVE (FULL-TIME)

Dr Lydia Makaroff is the CEO of Fight Bladder Cancer and President of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition. Previously she was the Director

of the European Cancer Patient Coalition. She has a PhD in immunology and a Master’s degree in Public Health. She has worked in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and the non-profit sector. She has conducted medical research at

the Australian National University, worked as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Washington, and worked for the

International Diabetes Federation. Lydia likes to cycle through green spaces with her loved ones and read a book with a cat on her lap.

Lydia stood down from her position as CEO in December 2024.

SUE WILLIAMS OFFICE MANAGER (PARTTIME)

With over 30 years of experience in bookkeeping, Sue joined Fight Bladder Cancer in 2016. Sue answers telephones, deals with orders, replies to enquiries for leaflets and posters, covers the admin tasks and pulls together the financial paperwork. Together with colleagues, she occasionally loads her car with all things Fight Bladder Cancer and drives to a urology conference or health awareness day to set up our stand. Away from the office, she enjoys needlecrafts, drawing, beadwork, crosswords, Sudoku and reading. She loves hunting for vintage fabrics and beads at car boot sales and markets.

MELANIE COSTIN DIRECTOR OF PATIENT ENGAGEMENT & SUPPORT AND BLADDER CANCER PATIENT

Melanie discovered the Charity early on after her bladder cancer diagnosis. Her role

has many façets, including providing information and support, talking at support groups, raising awareness, running the Bladder Buddy service, and being an administrator on our forum. She gets the patients’ voices heard when attending medical meetings. Her current job is far from her pre-bladder cancer life as a technical draughtsperson.

Away from work, Melanie runs an art class for dementia patients. She loves cats, music and travel and is a cemetery photographer.

AMY JACOB FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR (FULL-TIME)

After years of volunteering with various charities, Amy joined Fight Bladder Cancer to help with our fundraising efforts. Her responsibilities involve working closely with our fundraisers, offering them support and guidance. Amy also processes our donations and sends out patient support materials. Outside of work,

Amy has a degree in Anthropology and is a keen traveller. She enjoys true crime podcasts and watching the latest Netflix documentary.

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VICKY FERNANDES CHARITY ADMINISTRATOR (AUGUST 2024 ONWARDS)

Vicky plays a crucial role in ensuring our charity office runs smoothly and efficiently. She brings a wealth of experience in administration, particularly within digital marketing and communications teams across various industries. She handles enquiries by telephone, email, and post, always offering a friendly and professional response. Vicky maintains our filing systems and provides administrative assistance to the charity team. This includes word processing, managing electronic communications, and keeping records up to date. She also arranges travel, sets up meetings, and coordinates events. She holds a BA (Hons) in English from the University of Southampton. Vicky enjoys weight training and reading crime novels.

JANINE NORRIS GRANTS CO-ORDINATOR FOR SCOTLAND (JULY 2024 ONWARDS)

Janine brings a wealth of experience in fundraising and grant writing. Janine’s responsibilities include researching potential funding sources, maintaining positive relationships with funding bodies, and managing the grant application process. Janine ensures everything she does in adherence to the Fundraising Code of Practice — legal, fair, open, honest, and respectful. Her personal experience with chronic illness drives her commitment to our cause. In her free time, Janine is an avid reader and nature lover and loves travelling, wild swimming and camping with her husband and children. She also practises yoga and enjoys spending time with her bunny Toya.

MICHAEL SLOANE

BOOKKEEPING ASSISTANT (PART-TIME) AND BLADDER CANCER PATIENT

For over 29 years, Michael worked as an accountant for a fire and security alarm company. He runs the accounting system, data entry and

reporting. Michael was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2013, and whilst he has had a couple of recurrences, he has been clear for the past three years. Michael likes to cycle and has cycled from west London to Brighton several times. He has also enjoyed scuba diving in Australia and Malta.

SANA GILFILLAN POLICY AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER (MATERNITY LEAVE DECEMBER 2023 – SEPTEMBER 2024)

Sana drives Fight Bladder Cancer’s policy work to advocate for improved bladder cancer care in the UK. She builds and helps manage relationships with key stakeholders in Government, the NHS, healthcare institutions and other charities to achieve the Charity’s policy goals. She is also responsible for overseeing Fight Bladder Cancer’s communications strategy. Sana previously managed the global privacy and cybersecurity portfolios at a trade association in Washington DC, and Brussels. Before relocating to Scotland, Sana lived in Canada, the USA, UAE and Pakistan. She has a degree in International Relations and Political Sciences from the University of Toronto and a Masters in Media and Communications Governance from the London School of Economics. Sana likes to travel, try new foods, and go hillwalking in her free time.

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SHANNON BOLDON POLICY MANAGER (MATERNITY COVER DECEMBER 2023 – SEPTEMBER 2024)

Shannon supports the implementation of our policy work to improve bladder cancer care in the UK. She has extensive experience working in health

policy – interning at the World Health Organization in Geneva, establishing All. Can International at the Health Policy Partnership and working as an independent Health Policy Consultant with various clients, including the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition. She holds a Masters

in Global Health and Development from University College London and a BSc in Biochemistry from Acadia University. In her spare time, Shannon enjoys spending time with her puppy, Winston, and exploring the city of Toronto.

NICKI GILDER OFFICE ASSISTANT

Nicki joined the Team at Fight Bladder Cancer HQ in July 2022 as an Office Assistant. Living locally

and being semi-retired gives her the opportunity to be flexible and support the Office Team as needed. Her main role is to post out the Patient Information Booklets, Nurses and GP packs, and any promotional goods ordered via the Website. Her interests are walking, tending her Allotment to within an inch of its life and nurturing her growing family. Nanny duties are top of her wish list, but to relax she is happy bent over a jigsaw!

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OUR VOLUNTEERS

Our work would be impossible without the dedicated volunteers who give up their time to support Fight Bladder Cancer with their skills, expertise, knowledge and enthusiasm. We are hugely grateful to everyone who contributes to our work..

They may be:

Every contribution is valued, and every one of our volunteers deserves massive thanks.

THANK YOU!

ANNE MACDOWELL STRATEGIC VOLUNTEER

Anne has 40 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has lived and worked in the US, France, the UK and Switzerland. She has an undergraduate degree in music and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Anne stopped paid work in 2017 and is currently working with charities on a volunteer basis. Her role with Fight Bladder Cancer is to build mutually beneficial relationships between the charity and its corporate partners to improve outcomes for cancer patients. Anne has been married to her husband for 30 years, and they have two grown children. She enjoys travelling, learning, singing and sports in her spare time.

ANUPAMA GAMANAGARI EDITORIAL VOLUNTEER (PART-TIME)

Anupama Gamanagari is the Editorial Volunteer for Fight Bladder Cancer. She assists with the website, newsletter, and Fight magazine. She also helps us plan our communication activities around Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. She has a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Media and Communication from Birmingham City University and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media from Wilson College. She is also a charity shop volunteer and a photographer who has been published in BBC Midlands, Amateur Photographer Magazine, NoGopress and Docu Magazine.

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MARTIN LEWIS ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER VOLUNTEER (PART-TIME)

Martin is working on several projects, that vary from worldwide clinical trial monitoring, event management, patient support groups database building and awareness campaigning with worker’s unions. He is a qualified engineer and project manager, amassing over 25 years of experience delivering projects in the automotive industry. When not at work, Martin enjoys travelling, often including camping in his VW campervan.

PAMELA MCGOWAN COMMUNICATIONS VOLUNTEER

With over 12 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, she is a versatile professional, specialising in oncology. Trained in biomedical sciences, she transitioned to the field of medical

communications, combining her strong clinical background and passion for writing. She has authored a non-fiction book on autism, runs a blog focussed on special educational needs and health issues, and also volunteers as an awareness ambassador for the cleft lip and palate charity CLAPA. Pamela enjoys keeping fit, climbing mountains, long walks and singing in her spare time.

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Achievements & performance

Despite a 16% decline in new bladder cancer cases over the past decade, the challenge remains significant. Each year, over 19,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with bladder cancer —16,547 in England, 1,691 in Scotland, 669 in Wales, and 230 in Northern Ireland — while more than 100,000 are living with the condition[*] . These numbers highlight the immense responsibility that Fight Bladder Cancer faces in tackling this critical health issue. If you are affected by bladder cancer, please join our support group.

It is with great pleasure that we present to you the 2023-2024 Trustees Report, which outlines the successes and challenges faced by the charity over the past year. Despite the many obstacles that we have encountered, we have continued to make great strides towards our mission of improving the lives of those affected by bladder cancer.

We carefully monitor and evaluate our progress to optimise our resources and demonstrate our impact in these four key areas:

*Data on bladder cancer diagnoses sourced from NHS Cancer Data (England), Scottish Cancer Registry (Scotland), Wales Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit (Wales), and Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (Northern Ireland). The figures pertain to the most recent available data.

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Introduction From the Chair

I am proud to present our annual report for the period ending 31 March 2024. This year has been both challenging and transformative for our charity. Despite facing a small financial deficit, our commitment to improving the lives of those affected by bladder cancer remains unwavering.

We have made significant strides in several key areas. For example, our Bladder Cancer Awareness Month campaign in May reached over 46,000 people (measured by social media page reach), increasing public knowledge about symptoms and encouraging early diagnosis. Our collaboration with NHS England on the “Help Us Help You” campaign highlighted the importance of recognising blood in urine, driving home the message that people should seek medical advice promptly.

Our private online forum has grown to over 6,200 members, fostering a supportive community where patients and caregivers can share experiences and advice.

We are also advocating for a National Bladder Cancer Audit, which will help standardise care and improve outcomes.

Together, we are making a difference, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead as we strive to create a brighter future for all those impacted by bladder cancer. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our mission.

ANDREW DEARDEN Chair of Fight Bladder Cancer

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FBC by numbers

~~WEBSITE SUPPORT~~

~~HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT~~

114,566 vs 113,432 last year sessions on our website

www

85,252

35,523

vs 84,408 last year unique users of our website

vs 35,172 last year downloads from our website

F ~~ORUM SUPPORT~~

6,213[vs 5,837 last year] members of our private online forum 976[vs 1,550 last year] requests to join reviewed 452[vs 737 last year ] new forum members approved

269[vs 450 last year] healthcare professionals supported

103[contact cards ][sent to ] 30 healthcare professionals

~~RESEARCH~~

11[vs 17 last year ] national and international conferences attended. 7[vs 13 last year] contributions to research papers Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

S ~~OCIAL MEDIA~~

S ~~UPPORT GROUPS~~

10[vs 10 last year ][face-to-face] support meetings advertised

7[vs 7 last year] online support meetings

99[vs 132 last year] people assigned a Bladder Buddy

5,053[vs 45,000 last year] followers on Twitter/X

5,101[vs 31,706 last year] followers on Facebook

1,008[vs 14,100 last year] followers on LinkedIn

904[vs 0 last year][followers on ][Instagram]

SUPPORT

~~PATIENT INFORMATION BOOKS DISTRIBUTED~~

1,144 vs 1,961 last year patients supported

262 vs 772 last year carers supported

919 vs 899 last year support emails sent

603 vs 863 last year phone calls made

371 vs 1,026 last year phone calls received

An additional 149 folders containing reference copies of all booklets sent to health professionals – making a total of 417 folders since their launch in November 2020.

9,502[vs 6161 last year][ individual booklets ] were posted this year

17,761[vs 17,586 ] last year digital copies of booklets were downloaded or emailed

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Awareness

Increasing awareness

Our main focus is to raise awareness of bladder cancer within the general population. We aim to seize every opportunity to share information about its causes and symptoms, as well as the support available for patients and carers from the Fight Bladder Cancer team, including treatment options.

World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition

We were featured in the World Bladder Cancer Patient Forum and spoke about how our Patient Information Booklets can boost joint decision-making between patients and health professionals.

NHS England

In December 2023, NHS England launched a vital initiative aimed at increasing bladder cancer awareness through the installation of informative urinal mats in men’s public restrooms throughout England. These mats carry an essential message: “Blood in your pee? Contact your GP practice.” This campaign encourages men to seek medical advice if they observe this common symptom, which can signal bladder, kidney, or prostate cancers.

The campaign was prompted by a survey indicating that nearly half of men incorrectly believed that blood in urine was not a cancer symptom, with many reluctant to consult a doctor. By placing these mats in venues such as pubs, restaurants, and sports stadiums, the NHS aims to promote earlier diagnosis, as early detection is crucial for improving survival rates.

Support from cancer survivors who recognised their symptoms and sought medical help underscores the importance of awareness and prompt action. NHS leaders, including Professor Peter

Johnson, have stressed that early recognition of symptoms can save lives. This innovative partnership with P-Wave showcases a creative approach to public health messaging, aligning with our mission at Fight Bladder Cancer to enhance awareness and encourage early diagnosis. The ultimate goal is to increase the percentage of cancers diagnosed at earlier stages by 2028.

Empowering the Bladder Cancer Community through Video

In our ongoing commitment to empower the bladder cancer community, we produced a series of impactful videos that feature stories from survivors, nurses, and doctors. These videos encourage patients to take an active role in their health decisions and cover important topics such as conversations with healthcare professionals, mental health, caring for someone with cancer, and participation in clinical trials. By providing high-quality, community-driven content, we aim to reduce stigma and promote shared decision-making in healthcare.

The videos, ranging from 1 to 6 minutes, are designed to improve access to patientcentred care and enhance understanding of bladder cancer. We gathered feedback through surveys, revealing that 93% of viewers gained more knowledge about their condition, and 96% would recommend our resources to others. The positive testimonials reflect the significant impact of these videos, fostering a sense of connection and support among viewers. Our project also addresses health disparities by promoting healthy lifestyle choices and improving health literacy within the bladder cancer community. The videos are available on our website and social media channels, ensuring they reach those who need them most.

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Awareness in Wales

In our latest project, funded by a generous grant from Awards for All Wales, we have made significant strides in raising awareness within the Welsh bladder cancer community. This has enabled us to engage with healthcare professionals at events such as the Welsh Urological Society Annual Meeting, increasing knowledge about bladder cancer and available resources. Our outreach efforts have included translating essential information into Welsh, which has been greatly appreciated by both patients and healthcare providers.

FBC in the news

Our Michael Sloane, and also one of our patients, David Day were involved in the NHS Help Us Help You – bladder cancer awareness campaign, and as a result were featured in several national newspapers.

‘Early bird’ bladder cancer survivor urges people with possible symptoms to GET CHECKED

Cancer signs on urinal mats in pubs and football grounds, as part of major new NHS cancer catching drive

Glen Long, a patient advocate volunteer with FBC, shared his personal story with the “Be the Early Bird” Campaign launched by the Scottish government. Glen’s story about being diagnosed early was published in the news and on the Scottish Government’s campaign website. Glen’s story was also highlighted in Scotland’s Cancer action plan: progress report published in July 2024.

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British Association of Urological Nurses Conference

In November 2023, the charity attended the British Association of Urological Nurses (BAUN) conference. The charity’s main objective at the event was to share their awareness and support materials with urology nurses. They also met with their colleagues and volunteers.

PAMELA

‘Being so warmly welcomed within the Fight Bladder Cancer Team has definitely been a highlight of 2023 for me. It was very nerve wracking, stepping back into the world of working within a team, after so many years working alone, but I have been welcomed as a volunteer with open arms. Thank you all!’

British Association of Urological Surgeons Conference

We attended the British Association on Urological Surgeons Conference. At the conference, we met with colleagues and friends from the sector to hear about the latest research and share our ideas and challenges from the past year. The patient voice is central to everything we do at Fight Bladder Cancer, so that was our focus when meeting with colleagues across the sector.

BLADDR World Bladder Cancer Congress

Melanie from Fight Bladder Cancer was invited to attend the BLADDR World Bladder Cancer Congress. At the event, she participated in discussions, sharing insights from her experience as both a patient and advocate. Her contributions emphasised the importance of patient support and global collaboration in advancing bladder cancer care.

European Association of Urology

We participated in a strategy meeting with the European Association of Urology patient advocacy group to improve the urology patient journey.

We also spoke at the European Association of Urology and European Association of Urology Nurses congress about how they can better understand the patient experience and highlighted how to address the needs of the patients before and during their treatment.

MELANIE COSTIN

SUPPORT SERVICES MANAGER

‘A lot has been accomplished this year to help patients and carers of bladder cancer. It was great to meet so many people in ‘real life’ conferences again, the atmosphere has been fantastic. People have been finally catching up with old friends and colleagues, and new ones too.’

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Other resources

GP pack

Fight Bladder Cancer has introduced a new foldable GP card as part of our comprehensive GP pack. This pack provides essential posters that highlight the key signs and symptoms of bladder cancer, along with information on the support services available to patients. GPs can easily order these resources online at www. fightbladdercancer.co.uk. These materials are designed to enhance understanding and ensure timely support for those affected by bladder cancer.

Car stickers

We have free car stickers to raise awareness of bladder cancer and have made them widely available to the public. To ensure broad distribution, we’ve sent these stickers to supporters and community groups across the UK. Additionally, they are available through our website for anyone who wishes to display one and help spread the message.

Contact cards

We supply free, high-quality personalised contact cards for all medical professionals working with bladder cancer patients, which can be ordered online atfightbladdercancer.co.uk/contact.

----- Start of picture text -----
Reg charity 1157763 51 High Street, Chinnor, Oxon OX39 4DJ
facebook.com/groups/bladdercanceruk
T: 01844 351621
E: support@fightbladdercancer.co.uk
W: fightbladdercancer.co.uk
For additional information & support
24 Hour Online Forum:
ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTITIONER
01709 425964
amy.boler@nhs.net
Amy Boler
T
E
----- End of picture text -----

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Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

May is the month we focus on raising awareness of bladder cancer by sharing stories of hope, optimism and love. Fight Bladder Cancer highlights the impact of bladder cancer, promotes awareness of the symptoms and urges policy improvements.

ALISON

‘This year, I really enjoyed working on a successful campaign for Bladder Cancer Awareness Month in May! I’ve loved being part of such a passionate, committed and hard-working team’

In May 2023, we raised awareness and broke the stigma around symptoms deemed embarrassing by patients to promote early diagnosis and save lives. Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to draw attention to bladder cancer with over 20,000 people diagnosed in the UK every year. Despite its prevalence, bladder cancer receives just 1% of cancer research funding in the UK.

Common symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine, a recurring UTI, frequent urination or pain when urinating, and abdominal, lower back, and pelvic pain. Patients are often too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms or seek medical advice.

In 2024, our campaign focused on challenging misconceptions surrounding bladder cancer symptoms. We introduced the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition’s engaging online game, “Spot the Drop,” which was designed to promote awareness and highlight the importance of early diagnosis. We encouraged participants to share this game and related resources within their communities.

The campaign also addressed the barriers to timely diagnosis, emphasising that symptoms could often be misdiagnosed or overlooked. The “Unsure Icon,” launched the previous year, remained a key tool in fostering conversations about symptom recognition and the importance of seeking medical advice.

Fight Bladder Cancer aimed to spark conversations and drive awareness around the disease to encourage people to speak openly and seek medical care as soon as possible.

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Early diagnosis offers a significant increase in the chance of long-term survival and quality of life. By ensuring early diagnosis and seeking medical advice and care, the survival rate for bladder cancer can be up to 90%.

Fight Bladder Cancer is raising awareness to continue supporting and making a difference for people affected by bladder cancer.

We also developed a Bladder Cancer Awareness Activity Calendar to cover the 31 days of May which involved some of the following activities:

Thanks to all our Wee Walkers

The Fight Bladder Cancer Wee Walks are always a highlight of Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, as they bring the community together in an inclusive way to chat, make friends, share stories, and raise awareness and funds. Our 2023 events were no exception! Wee Walks took place near our HQ in Chinnor, and in Bournemouth and Falkland, and they were all a lot of fun.

Take one tiger costume, one sunny day, and a group of fabulous fundraisers, and what do you get? A fantastic Wee Walk on Bournemouth seafront!

We love these pictures from the event which was organised by Fight Bladder Cancer Trustees Paul and Deb Major.

Our Chinnor and Falkland events were equally fantastic, even if there were no tiger costumes in sight. The weather was beautiful, the scenery equally so, and a great day was had by everyone involved.

Bubbles for bladder cancer

31 May is a special day for the Fight Bladder Cancer wee community. We blow bubbles to remember all those affected by bladder cancer and those we have lost. We were bowled over by the number of people who took part in blowing bubbles with us this year.

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Fight Bladder Cancer in Scotland

We are thankful to the hard work and dedication of the Scottish Steering Group, which comprises patients, family members, doctors and nurses, urological consultants, and community organisations. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this happen.

Scottish patients have been an integral part of our charity, providing invaluable input into our patient and community information materials, co-creating our program in Scotland, organizing local support group meetings, and offering peer support to others. We are proud to support patients, family members, and healthcare professionals through our private forum, support groups, and one-to-one linkups across multiple locations in Scotland.

In addition, our community champions and patient ambassadors have been tirelessly working to raise awareness and spread information about bladder cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and fundraising in their local communities.

We are excited to continue growing our program of patient ambassadors, who are involved in proofing materials, speaking at conferences, and providing expert guidance in medical and policy settings.

As we move forward, Fight Bladder Cancer aims to support even more patients, family members, and healthcare professionals in Scotland. With targeted patient information, peer support, awarenessraising initiatives, and early diagnosis messaging, we hope to reach even more people in need.

Social media

Our social media strategy focused on real-life stories from patients and family members. We adapted the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition theme of challenging uncertainty around bladder cancer symptoms for our audiences, and used branded graphics used throughout to give the content a campaign feel. The campaign tone was understanding, empathetic, helpful and positive.

Total impressions: 89,202 Total engagements: 8,909 Total page view: 46,511 Total new followers gained: 122

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Our support services

Private online forum

Members include patients, family members, carers and medical professionals. Everyone gets answers to their questions. The support from other welcoming patients and carers can be a boost at a scary and often lonely time. Many people who have lost their loved ones stay with us on the forum for an extended period after their loss to support others.

ARTHUR

‘This was my go-to website on diagnosis and the support and online forum was outstanding.’

Online forum statistics

As of 31st March 2024, our online private forum had grown to 6,213 members, reflecting a 6.5% increase from 5,837 members on 31st March 2023. The forum is supervised 24/7 by dedicated admins and moderators from around the world. Each month, around 2,300 members are active, meaning they viewed, posted, commented, or reacted to content.

Our membership is 67% women, 32% male, and 1% other. Two percent of our members are 18-24, 6% are aged 25-24, 13% are aged 35-44 years, 23% are aged 45-54 years, 27% are aged 55-64 years, and 29% are aged 65 and older.

The top towns and cities are London, Sheffield, Bristol, and Edinburgh.

In May for example, one of our busiest months, we had over 1,100 posts asking for support or letting people know of their latest results or news.

Our busiest month for requests to join was January. More members joined in the winter months, contrasting to last year when the spring months welcomed more new members.

The Fight Bladder Cancer literature now has a much wider reach after all our efforts into signposting, and we have seen this with the growing popularity of our Patient Information Booklets.

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In some months, we can see that the number of carers was higher than the number of patients; this represents the central core of patients that we support who are older and being looked after by someone more likely to search for support on an online forum. We also have several family members join together to support their loved one.

Most new members identified as female – both patients and carers. This could signify that more women are likely to seek out support on a forum than men, either for themselves or their loved ones.

We can see that the USA has by far the second largest number of joiners. Joiners from other areas are generally Englishspeaking, including ex-pats living in Europe. However, we support some non- English speaking members and can signpost them to relevant support in their own language, if available.

AVA ‘The Fight Bladder Cancer forum is amazing, I’ve learnt so much and feel I’ve made many friends even though I’ve only met two in person.’

Zoom support groups

Our regular Zoom support groups continue to allow us to be in touch with people located in many different areas. Our virtual meetings can be attended by people from places such as Portsmouth, Yorkshire and Wales therefore, we can offer an enhanced sense of humanity and community.

We had supportive chats as well as discussing various procedures people had coming up and answering questions.

All those needing a bit of extra support, or to see others going through similar things came along, All that are affected by bladder cancer are welcome to come to our online groups, both patients and carers alike. All that are affected by bladder cancer are welcome, both patients and carers alike.

With more face-to-face support groups opening again, people are getting out and about, so the online Zoom support group is now held in alternate months.

Dorothy hosted virtual women’s Scottish support groups throughout the year.

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Phone, email, web and social media support

In addition to the 24-hour online support, we are also there for our members via telephone, email, web and social media.

Our telephone support line is available from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday on 01844 351621, with a voicemail for messages outside these hours and numbers redirected while staff were working from home.

Our most common inquiries pertain to challenges such as medication shortages, waiting times for surgeries, appointments, and results. Following this, many inquiries are medical questions about non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Financial support and questions related to muscle-invasive bladder cancer also feature prominently. Emotional support, particularly in coping with an initial diagnosis and its impact on family and friends, along with interest in clinical trials and new treatments, is a key area of concern.

SUE, OFFICE MANAGER

‘Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where individuals can share their experiences, access vital information, and connect with others who understand their journey. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support services that empower patients and their families.’

Website

The most popular pages are Downloads, Just Diagnosed and Getting Support. We conducted a complete refresh of every single webpage and integrated our support pages with the downloadable Information Booklets. The most popular time to visit is Sunday afternoons.

LILY

‘It’s the most fabulous group of people I have ever encountered. Invaluable advice and support.’

Support in Wales

Our support efforts have included translating essential information into Welsh, which has been greatly appreciated by both patients and healthcare providers. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the importance of our resources in supporting bladder cancer patients and their families as we continue to expand our networks and initiatives.

Social media

At the end of March 2024, Fight Bladder Cancer’s social media followers showed notable changes compared to March 2023:

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Patient Information

Patient Information Booklets

Fight Bladder Cancer launched their new “A to Z Carers Guide” at the annual British Association of Urological Nurses (BAUN) conference. The guide is designed to support and empower carers of people living with bladder cancer, providing them with essential information and resources to help them navigate the challenges of caring for their loved ones.

The launch of the guide was met with enthusiasm and positive feedback from attendees at the conference, many of whom expressed their appreciation for the much-needed resource. Fight Bladder Cancer’s team members were on hand to answer questions and provide additional information.

The “A to Z Carers Guide” is a valuable addition to the range of resources offered by Fight Bladder Cancer, which includes information booklets, online support groups, and a comprehensive website with up-to-date information on bladder cancer. With the launch of this guide, we demonstrated our commitment to supporting not only those living with bladder cancer but also those who care for them.

Distribution

All Patient Information Booklets are free for download from the Fight Bladder Cancer website at fightbladdercancer.co.uk

Extending the series

At the end of this financial year, we began the process of developing and finding funding for New Developments in Treatment for Bladder Cancer . Work is ongoing, and we aim to publish in 2024.

Impact

The survey results from the impact survey indicate that the Fight Bladder Cancer resources are highly valued by users.

Over 92% reported gaining more knowledge about bladder cancer through the website and videos, with one respondent stating, Additionally, 96% would recommend our website and videos to someone recently diagnosed

Moreover, our forum was praised for its support, with 72% of users feeling less alone due to their participation.

Endorsed by the British Association of Urological Surgeons, the British Association of Urological Nurses, The Urology Foundation, and the British UroOncology Group, the series of 11 booklets have been widely distributed and praised by patients, carers and professionals.

DANNY NURSE ‘I regularly give out leaflets for your organisation as I think your literature is wonderful for our patients.’

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Policy change UK-wide

The Parliamentary event was sponsored by MP Andy McDonald and saw a steady stream of interest with just shy of twenty MPs from across England, Wales and Scotland taking to social media, keen to play their role in raising awareness, and ultimately striving to make a difference to patient experience and outcomes. This event is the first of what FBC hopes is an annual event in the UK Houses of Parliament.

Exemplar pathway

Our policy work focuses on improving the experience and outcomes of bladder cancer patients in the UK, through working to achieve an Exemplar Pathway for bladder cancer services. Our work is informed by the Exemplar Review Meeting (2023) and the Exemplar Research report (2021)

The Exemplar work was designed to collect the views and experiences of bladder cancer patients, carers and health care professionals in the UK to summarise the strengths and gaps in current bladder cancer services from the perspective of the people accessing and running it.

In 2024, a new Exemplar Policy White Paper will be launched based on the discussions from the Exemplar Review Meeting (2023) to provide an updated roadmap for change in order to create Exemplar bladder cancer services in the UK.

UK Parliament

Our fantastic patient advocates have been working extremely hard over the past year to try and make a difference in how healthcare for bladder cancer patients is delivered. They have been working closely with our policy manager, Shannon, to contact their elected representatives about issues affecting them as patients and to raise the profile of bladder cancer inside the walls of Parliament.

On 17th May 2023, during bladder cancer awareness month, Fight Bladder Cancer hosted our first drop-in event in the UK Parliament. The event aimed to raise awareness of bladder cancer, create a continuous dialogue with parliamentarians

in the UK to ensure they are aware of key policy issues affecting patients, create bladder cancer ‘champions’ in parliament, and to raise the profile of bladder cancer.

The Parliamentary event was sponsored by MP Andy McDonald and saw a steady stream of interest with just shy of twenty MPs from across England, Wales and Scotland taking to social media, keen to play their role in raising awareness, and ultimately striving to make a difference to patient experience and outcomes.

This event is the first of what FBC hopes is an annual event in the UK Houses of Parliament.

Royal College of Radiologists Consensus Statements

In May 2023, Fight Bladder Cancer worked with the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) to develop consensus statements on bladder cancer aimed at standardising care and improving patient outcomes. We recognise the importance of these guidelines in enhancing treatment for those affected by this condition. The recommendations highlight the necessity of involving multidisciplinary teams in treatment discussions. The guidelines also advise that patients with node-positive disease should have the choice between radical cystectomy and bladder preservation. These statements represent a critical step in enhancing the quality of care for bladder cancer patients, ensuring timely and appropriate treatments while addressing previous disparities in clinical practice across the UK.

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GMB Union Congress

The GMB Union is a general trade union in the United Kingdom which has more than 560,000 members. GMB stands for General, Municipal, Boilermakers’ and allied trade union. Its members work in nearly all industrial sectors, in retail, security, schools, distribution, the utilities, social care, the National Health Service (NHS), ambulance service and local government. In 2023, they provided FBC with a stall at their annual congress to engage with the GMB Union membership to raise awareness of bladder cancer, showing their commitment to working with us. The congress is a significant event for Fight Bladder Cancer, where we had a dedicated booth to raise awareness and provide support for those affected by bladder cancer due to occupational exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

We will continue to partner with the GMB Union and attend the 2024 congress to raise awareness of workplace carcinogens and the symptoms of bladder cancer.

Scotland

Scottish Steering Group

The Fight Bladder Cancer Scottish Steering Group was formally established in 2019 to lead our work in Scotland and includes patients, family members, doctors and nurses, Scottish urological consultants, and community organisations.

Scottish patients are involved in Fight Bladder Cancer in many ways – including co-creating our programme in Scotland, reviewing our patient and community information materials, organising the local support group meetings, and providing peer support to others.

Scottish Cancer Alliance

Fight Bladder Cancer joined forces with the Scottish Cancer Coalition in the Battle Against Cancer. The Scottish Cancer Coalition is a collaborative network of cancer-focused organisations committed to enhancing cancer care, research, and policy in Scotland. By uniting various stakeholders, the coalition aims to improve cancer outcomes and reduce the burden of cancer on individuals and society as a whole.

This partnership represents a significant step forward in our commitment to raising awareness and providing crucial support for those affected by bladder cancer in Scotland.

Scottish Cancer Conference

Johnstone Shaw (Scottish Steering Group) attended the Scottish Cancer Conference on November 27th in Glasgow. The theme was “Scotland’s New Cancer Strategy – Ten years in the future, what does success look like?”.

Johnstone asked a question to the cabinet minister on how they were going to involve patients in developing their cancer strategy over the next 10-years and there are currently no places for patients to contribute individually. FBC will continue to attend the Scottish Cancer Conference in 2024 and 2025 and will consider applying to host a Forum Session in 2025.

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Wales

Wales Cancer Alliance

In Wales, Fight Bladder Cancer has been actively working to raise bladder cancer awareness and improve support for those affected by the condition. In September 2023, we joined the Wales Cancer Alliance, a coalition of cancer charities committed to preventing cancer, improving care, funding research, and influencing policy. Through this partnership, we have been collaborating closely with other cancer organisations to drive policy changes that enhance the quality of care and support for bladder cancer patients across Wales.

Welsh Urological Society Annual Meeting

We also participated in the Welsh Urological Society Annual Meeting, a key event that allowed us to connect with healthcare professionals from across Wales. At the meeting, we promoted our educational materials, provided support resources, and raised awareness about bladder cancer symptoms and early diagnosis.

To further engage Welsh communities, we have translated essential educational and support materials into Welsh. This step has been crucial in ensuring that our resources are accessible to a broader audience, including Welsh-speaking patients and their families.

Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway Patient Reference Group

We are part of the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway Patient Reference Group, which was established to ensure that patient views are an integral part of the delivery of the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway ambition.

The Patient Reference Group provides their expertise from the broader patient perspective, particularly about the Innovation Passport designation stage, Target Development Profile stage and the specific patient engagement tool of the toolkit. The Patient Reference Group works with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, the Scottish Medicines Consortium and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

England

Steering Group for England, Wales and Northern Ireland

The England, Wales and Northern Ireland (EWNI) Steering Group supports the creation of Fight Bladder Cancer’s advocacy strategy, priority projects and activities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They meet every 2-3 months to share updates and invite feedback and participation in all our policy, awareness, support and fundraising activities in the three nations.

EBI consultation

Fight Bladder Cancer submitted a response to The Evidence-based Interventions programme (EBI) consultations on “Transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) single post instillation of Mitomycin C” and “Investigation and onward referral of women with recurrent urinary tract infections”.

The EBI programme is an initiative led by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges to improve the quality of care, through the establishment of Best Practice Guidance, including for Bladder Cancer. The EBI best practice recommendations have been published and shared with NICE, with the hopes that it will lead to updated guidelines for Bladder Cancer.

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NICE Guideline Update

Fight Bladder Cancer worked closely with Action Bladder Cancer UK to re-establish a collaborative relationship and partner on policy work that will directly impact patients across the UK.

In particular, we are working together to advocate for updated NICE Guidelines by co-creating a letter for NICE that details the updates needed to the guidelines. A working group meeting will be held with a broader stakeholder group to discuss the letter to NICE, and updates to the guidelines that are needed, and co- signed by key organisations such as the British Association of Urological Nurses and the British Association of Urological Surgeons, before it is shared with NICE.

Going forward, we will continue to put pressure on NICE to update bladder cancer guidelines and hope to see them updated to reflect best practices and new innovations in bladder cancer treatment and care.

Cancer Alliances

Fight Bladder Cancer has been extending its reach into Cancer Alliances across England, by having patient advocate volunteers sit on Patient Advisory Boards.

There are 21 Cancer Alliances across England that bring together clinical and managerial leaders from different hospital trusts and other health and social care organisations to transform the diagnosis, treatment and care for cancer patients in their local area.

Work may include sitting on Patient Advisory Boards (different alliances may have different names but they serve similar functions), reading and offering opinion on documents, supporting research, raising awareness and telling your own story for training/awareness purposes, among others.

FBC has established links with the SouthEast London Cancer Alliance, East of England Alliance, and the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Alliance. We are working to expand our reach across England with ambitions to have a patient representative in all 21 Alliances.

National Bladder Cancer Audit

Fight Bladder Cancer has joined forces with many different impactful organisations in the UK such as the Royal College of Physicians, Action Bladder Cancer UK, BAUN, British Association of Urological Surgeons, to advocate and raise awareness of the need for a Bladder Cancer national audit.

An audit of bladder cancer care across the country would reduce regional variations in care and outcomes, by collecting information about care pathways and treatment.

Currently, there’s an audit for kidney cancer and prostate cancer. We are campaigning for bladder cancer to be added to the audit list. The next decision by NHS will be in 2-years, and we are competing against head and neck cancer and gynaecology.

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Research

Quality of Life

The NHS Cancer Quality of Life Survey’s bladder cancer dataset is now publicly accessible. This comes after our request for bladder cancer data to be released individually instead of being combined with data from other cancers. The survey results reveal the difficulties experienced by those living with bladder cancer, such as challenges with daily activities, self-care, and mobility, along with issues related to pain, discomfort, anxiety, and depression. While it’s encouraging that more people are surviving bladder cancer than ever, the long-term effects can still be quite substantial.

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Contributions to research

Fight Bladder Cancer contributed to the following research publications:

  1. Catto, J. W. F., Rogers, Z., Downing, A., Mason, S. J., Jubber, I., Bottomley, S., Connor, M., Absolom, K., Glaser, A. (2023). Lifestyle Factors in Patients with Bladder Cancer: A Contemporary Picture of Tobacco Smoking, Electronic Cigarette Use, Body Mass Index, and Levels of Physical Activity. European Urology Focus, 9(6), P974-982.

  2. Geissler, J., Makaroff, L. E., Söhlke, B., Bokemeyer, C. (2023). Precision oncology medicines and the need for real world evidence acceptance in health technology assessment: Importance of patient involvement in sustainable healthcare. European Journal of Cancer, 193, 113323.

  3. Jones, R. J., Crabb, S. J., Linch, M., Birtle, A. J., McGrane, J., Enting, D., Stevenson, R., Liu, K., Kularatne, B., Hussain, S. A. (2024). Systemic anticancer therapy for urothelial carcinoma: UK oncologists’ perspective. British Journal of Cancer, 130, 897–907.

  4. Makaroff, L. E., Filicevas, A., Boldon, S., Hensley, P., Black, P. C., Chisolm, S., Demkiw, S., Fernández, M. I., Sugimoto, M., Jensen, B. T., Witjes, W. P. J., Bagshaw, K., Cirefice-Funk, L., Knight, A., Kamat, A. M. (2023). Patient and Carer Experiences with Bladder Cancer: Results from a Global Survey in 45 Countries. Eur Urol, 84(2), 248-251. doi: 10.1016/j. eururo.2023.04.034. Epub 2023 May 24.

  5. Mariappan, P., Johnston, A., Trail, M., Hamid, S., Hollins, G., Dreyer, B. A., Ramsey, S., Padovani, L., Garau, R., Guerrero Enriquez, J., Boden, A., Maresca, G., Simpson, H., Hasan, R., Sharpe, C., Thomas, B. G., Chaudhry, A. H., Khan, R. S., Bhatt, J. R., Ahmad, I., Nandwani, G. M., Dimitropoulos, K., Makaroff, L., Shaw, J., Graham, C., Hendry, D. (2024). Achieving Benchmarks for National Quality Indicators Reduces Recurrence and Progression in Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer. Eur Urol Oncol. doi: 10.1016/j.euo.2024.01.012.

  6. Rogers, Z., Glaser, A., Catto, J. W. F., Bottomley, S., Jubber, I., Kotwal, S., Brittain, P., Gill, J., Rogers, M. A., Dooldeniya, M. D., Koenig, P., Cresswell, J., et al. (2023). Health-related quality of life after a diagnosis of bladder cancer: a longitudinal survey over the first year. BJU International, 133(4), 460-473. doi: 10.1111/bju.16242.

  7. Wilson, R., Kinloch, E., Makaroff, L. E., Bailey-Bearfield, A., Stephens, R., Rawlinson, J., et al. (2023). A major conditions strategy cannot replace a national cancer plan—patient advocates voice their concerns. Lancet Oncology, 24(5), P425-427.

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Supporting research projects

Anyone affected by bladder cancer who wants to participate in research can contact us. We are regularly approached by researchers seeking study participants, and you can find a list of all studies currently recruiting bladder cancer patients in the UK at fightbladdercancer.co.uk/research.

ALISON BIRTLE, TRUSTEE OF FIGHT BLADDER CANCER AND SECRETARY OF THE BRITISH URO-ONCOLOGY GROUP

‘There isn’t a urothelial cancer trial in the UK that Fight Bladder Cancer hasn’t been asked to provide a patient representative to advise on…’

Quality of life after bladder cancer

The Quality of Life After Bladder Cancer (Q-ABC) study compares patient-related outcomes following radical surgery and radiotherapy. It has now completed its recruitment, and analysis is ongoing. The

Quality of Life After Bladder Cancer (Q-ABC) study is a cross-sectional survey of patientreported outcomes.

The double-blind study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjuvant treatment with immunotherapy compared with placebo in people with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, who are at high risk for recurrence following cystectomy.

Global Patient Survey

Fight Bladder Cancer actively participated in a global survey of bladder cancer patients,

organised by the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition (WBCPC). FBC supported several stages of the survey, including providing comments on the questionnaire for patients, recruiting patients in the UK to complete the survey (200+ total). Later, we provided an analysis of findings in the UK. The infographic and results were released to the public in late 2023.

WECAN Academy for Patient Advocates

In July 2023, Fight Bladder Cancer participated in the second WECAN Academy, a pivotal event aimed at enhancing the research and advocacy skills of cancer patient advocates from across Europe. Hosted by the Workgroup of European Cancer Patient Advocacy Networks (WECAN), the Academy focused on empowering advocates, including those representing rare cancers, to influence cancer care and research agendas effectively.

Training sessions covered essential topics such as evidence-based advocacy, health economics, and strategies for improving patient involvement in clinical trials. Advocates learned how to effectively communicate patient perspectives in research discussions, with tailored sessions designed to develop both foundational and advanced skills.

This event reinforced our commitment to empowering advocates and ensuring that the voices of bladder cancer patients are actively represented in the research landscape. At Fight Bladder Cancer, we believe that passionate advocacy, paired with research knowledge and skills, is vital for driving meaningful advancements in cancer care.

Inequalities in Cancer Outcomes Network: SORT Study

The SORT study is a vital initiative that compares the effectiveness of radiotherapy and surgery for early-stage cancers of the lung, oesophagus, and bladder. Our key objectives include assessing patient outcomes, analysing NHS costs, and understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected treatment access for vulnerable communities.

This research prioritises the voices of cancer patients and communities facing the greatest challenges, ensuring a diverse patient and public involvement panel guides the study’s direction.

The project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and we are proud to play our part in this important work.

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Personalised cancer treatment

Fight Bladder Cancer recently teamed up to write an article about the advances and challenges in personalised cancer treatment. This approach focuses on using targeted treatments that are personalised based on a patient’s unique cancer genetics. These therapies can be really effective, especially for people with rare or tough-to-treat cancers. However, many patients have trouble accessing them because of strict rules from the NHS about what they will pay for.

Usually, new drugs are tested in big clinical trials, which can be tricky for personalised treatments that only fit smaller patient groups. We suggested we should use realworld evidence in the evaluation process.

Real-world evidence refers to data collected from everyday healthcare settings rather than traditional clinical trials. It includes information from sources like patient records, surveys, and health databases. Real-world evidence helps researchers understand how treatments work in real life, providing insights into their effectiveness, safety, and patient experiences outside of controlled study conditions. This information can be crucial for evaluating new therapies and improving patient care.

We also pointed out that it’s important for patients to be part of these discussions, so their needs and experiences are heard. We called for more flexible ways to assess and approve new cancer treatments.

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Financial review

Where our money comes from

In 2023–2024, the charity raised £327,027 from diverse income sources, a decrease from the £353,929 raised in 2022– 2023.

We couldn’t do our work without our amazing supporters, volunteers and campaigners. Our life-changing work would not be possible without such generous people. We appreciate every single gift we receive and work hard to ensure that no penny is wasted in our fight against bladder cancer.

Our money comes from lots of different places. We aren’t reliant on one funding source, which is good, especially in today’s financial environment, as we aim to increase both funding and develop different sources in the future, to allow us to extend the work we do for Bladder Cancer patients and their families.

----- Start of picture text -----
Income
Sales and Fees
4%
Donations
Pharmaceutical
and Gift Aid
donors
20%
31%
Charitable
Trusts
12%
Community
Fundraising
33%
----- End of picture text -----

38

How we spend the money

The total expenditure was £334,309; in 2022–2023 it was £392,890. We understand that when anyone makes a charitable donation, they want to know exactly where that money is going, and we pledge to be clear and transparent when it comes to spending every contribution.

We assure you that every pound is important, and we are committed to judiciously considering where we spend our income and what we commit our money to. We make every penny count.

----- Start of picture text -----
Expenditure
Research
5%
Fundraising
8%
Awareness
23%
Change
16%
Support
23%
Overheads
25%
----- End of picture text -----

39

Where our money comes from – Partnerships

We have good working relationships with pharmaceutical and device companies involved in bladder cancer. Specifically, Astellas, AstraZeneca, CliniMed, Gilead, medac, Merck Group, MSD, Nucleix, Pfizer, and Roche provided funding during 2023– 2024. In addition, we received payment for patient organisation input to activities conducted by Astellas, Janssen, Merck Group, MSD, and Pfizer.

Fundraising by friends of Fight Bladder Cancer

We are hugely grateful to our incredible supporters, who make a massive contribution to our finances and to whom we are eternally grateful for supporting our work for bladder cancer patients across the country. They all want to give something back to Fight Bladder Cancer in recognition of the help they have received during their treatment or that of a loved one.

Our fundraising team support and encourage, and can give advice, design posters and flyers, supply sponsorship forms and anything else that helps supporters raise

money. They also advise on Gift Aid, so every penny raised is worth more to fight bladder cancer. Amy Jacob now co-ordinates the team.

Thank you for sharing the love

Fight Bladder Cancer has diversified its fundraising and has expanded the ways we support fundraising. We organised our

first mail-out individual giving campaign at Christmas and organised a Valentine’s Day community fundraiser. We are so grateful to everyone who made a dedication on our Valentine’s Day campaign page and shared the love for Fight Bladder Cancer. From everyone at the charity, thank you from the bottom of our heart.

JANE, BLADDER CANCER PATIENT

‘When I was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer, I had never heard of it before. I was stunned and upset by the diagnosis, but I always believed that knowledge is power. I searched online and found Fight Bladder Cancer and joined the support group. I asked questions, and the whole group were highly supportive. I read how Andrew and Tracy founded it and that it was just a small charity. This is why Fight Bladder Cancer is different; being founded by people with the illness, it seemed more personal. ’ Raising awareness of this cancer is vitally important, and that is why I try to raise money when I can’.

40

Running into funds

Thank you to Shahzad Aziz for raising a staggering £11.6k, flying all the way out to Morocco to climbing the Atlas Mountains for Fight Bladder Cancer - wow! What a once in a lifetime experience.

Congratulations to Matt Bough for raising over £1.1k whilst running in the London Marathon. He took on the challenge in solidarity with his father-in-law, John, and even had all of his family on the day wearing our shirts to cheer him on!

Well done to Julie Carty for raising a fabulous £1.3k running the Aintree 5k in support of her partner who was diagnosed in 2022.

Thanks to Maxine Lynas for her continued support in raising awareness for bladder cancer with her charity pot collections at local businesses. With that (and a mountain climb with her family) she’s raised almost £3k!

41

A huge thank you to Dorothy and Don for their endless fundraising and awareness activities they organise in Scotland. From ‘wee walks’ to awareness stalls in shopping centres, to attending conferences on our behalf and not forgetting their amazing Spring Raffle that raised almost £3.8k! What a busy year for you both and thank you again for your continued support.

Congratulations to Louise Rathod on running the Robin Hood Marathon and raising a wonderful £769!

Well done to another mini-hero (and previous superstar fundraiser) Arnav who racked up over 21km in one day and raised over £2.3k walking from his school to 5 hospitals in Glasgow to personally thank NHS staff for looking after bladder cancer patients. What an inspirational thing to do during BCAM!

Congratulations to Professor Param Mariappan for walking 300,000 steps during BCAM and raising an amazing £3k for Fight Bladder Cancer.

Bladder cancer patient (and thespian extraordinaire!) Ian Harrison wrote, directed and acted in a comedy drama production over Christmas. The play raised a wonderful £500 for Fight Bladder Cancer and congrats to everyone in ‘Don’t Panic’ on a successful show.

Mariam organised a Krispy Kreme fundraiser for FBC during BCAM and delivered boxes of donuts raising £538 – yum!

42

A diamond fundraiser Huge thank you to Maggie and Rick at the Woodbridge Jewellery Workshop for raffling off a diamond necklace they created in one day. They raised a whopping £3.5k and one very lucy winner got to go home with a beautiful necklace – what a success!

Well done to Michelle Fry who raised an amazing £700 by running the Brighton Half Marathon!

James Goodwin took on an incredible challenge of running the Delamere Trails Marathon and raised a fabulous £1.8k – wow!

Thank you to Joshua Sharpe who took part in a charity boxing event to support a family member who had been recently diagnosed with bladder cancer, raising an amazing £720.

Thanks to mini-hero Poppy for raising almost £400 with her sponsored silence as part of her Young Leaders badge with her primary school. She didn’t say a word for 13 hours – what an impressive feat! Poppy chose to support Fight Bladder Cancer after her Auntie Dianne sadly passed away last October, following a stage four bladder cancer. diagnosis back in 2021.

43

Thank you to Claire Monkcom for raising almost £2.8k with her incredible ‘wee walks’ throughout May.

To the friends and family of Ganesan and Latha who kindly donated to FBC at Latha’s 50th birthday celebrations - thank you! We’re so grateful for the amazing £722 that was generously raised.

Shoutout to Jen and her lovely friends for taking on an ice dip challenge for FBC.

They smashed their £100 fundraising target and raised almost £600 – thank you all!

A big thank you to the Partington Family for raising a fabulous £535 with our ‘21’ BCAM fundraiser.

Thanks to Hannah Waugh for her continued support in raising awareness for bladder cancer! From quiz evenings at her local, to night walks and running in various events, to cake sales at her work - she’s raised an incredible £10k!

Special thank you to Jamie Hart and friends for completing a Swimathon and raising almost £1.7k.

Sean Denny decided to host a dinner at his restaurant in support of Fight Bladder Cancer and raising an incredible £238 for FBC – thank you!

44

Facebook fundraisers

Over the last year, we have had people celebrate their birthday by kindly asking for donations to Fight Bladder Cancer. Facebook Giving Tools allow a person to create a fundraising page for a special occasion or show their support through a gift via Facebook. 100% of the money donated comes straight to the Charity as a twice- monthly payment and we’re so thankful to every person who creates a fundraiser for us.

As of the 1st November 2023, Facebook (Meta) partnered with PayPal Giving Fund for charities located in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia. This change signified the end of Facebook Giving Tools and all eligible charities were enrolled into Meta’s PayPal Giving Fund scheme.

As part of this change, Meta no longer covered the payment processing fees for donations. Every donation via Facebook, Instagram and other ‘Meta’ platforms now incurs a payment processing fee of 1.4% + £0.20.

Fight Bladder Cancer continues to explore different donation platforms that give our supporters the best donor experience and where every penny counts.

In memoriam

A huge thank you goes to the family and loved ones of Michelle Ladbrook (Team Choo) who have completely thrown themselves into fundraising and raising awareness for bladder cancer after Mich’s passing in 2022.

From Marathon’s to Drag BBQ’s - they’ve done so much in her loving memory. To date, they have raised a truly incredible £25k which has made a tremendous difference to the work Fight Bladder Cancer does.

45

Thank you to Tom Dilley, who took on an inspiring challenge of running 90km from Marlow in Buckinghamshire to Canary Wharf after Tom’s father David sadly died aged 87 in July 2022, following a bladder cancer diagnosis ten years prior. Tom knew he wanted to do something special to honour his memory, so decided on running a kilometre for every year of his life (and then some). With the support of a small army of family, friends and colleagues - Tom raised an astonishing £18.9k for Fight Bladder Cancer. Thank you so much!

Zack Moules got inspired by our ‘21’ fundraising challenge (and took it to the extreme) by challenging himself to run 21 half marathons within one year, after his dad John sadly passed away this summer. With each half marathon being 21km, Zack will be running an incredible total of 441km until his challenge finishes in September 2024. Go Zack!

Income from Charitable Trusts and Foundations

As part of our commitment to raising income from diverse sources, we continue to apply to charitable trusts and foundations for a combination of unrestricted grants towards our core services and restricted grants specifically for particular projects and outcomes. The total income raised through trust and grant fundraising during the financial year was £19,680, with most funds directed towards patient information and support. The current climate has proven to be challenging with the level of unrestricted grants we saw during the start of the pandemic being significantly reduced and competition for grants increasing owing to the difficult economic climate. In the coming year, we are working to draw in grant funding for local support around the UK and new initiatives in Scotland.

46

Financial review

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have forecast the level of free reserves (those funds not tied up in tangible fixed assets or categorised as restricted funds) that the Charity will require to sustain its operations in a period when it could be anticipated that there may be some reduced income performance. Such reduction in income may lead to the curtailment or cancellation (temporarily or otherwise, depending on the specific nature of the income reduction) of projects detailed in the strategic plan (whether in progress or not yet commenced). The overriding concern of the Trustees at such a time will be the maintenance of the services that provide the most benefit to people affected by bladder cancer, namely disease awareness and personal support.

The Trustees consider that the most appropriate level of free reserves to be held by the Charity should be sufficient to cover six months of budgeted forecast expenditure.

Whilst the current level of income generated may prove sufficient to meet identified requirements, it is the Trustees’ view that there should be sufficient free reserves available to provide financial flexibility, having regard to known and anticipated future expenditure and to provide contingency funding to meet any shortfall in income generation and any unplanned emergency expenditure which may be required.

Therefore, the Trustees’ policy is to closely monitor the Charity’s financial and operational activities and maintain free reserves within the parameters identified above.

The reserves policy states that the Charity should have unrestricted funds equivalent to six months of budgeted forecast expenditure – £167,156. The unrestricted funds for general use as of 31 March 2024 were £83,653– equivalent to 3.1 months of budgeted forecast expenditure. As the current level of reserves was below the level in the reserve policy, the Trustees curtailed some future projects, reduced the number of paid staff members, raised additional funds, and diversified the Charity’s funding base.

The Charity did not undertake any grantmaking activity in the year ended 31 March 2024. The Charity has disclosed all relevant key personnel details.

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

The Charity did not act as a custodian Trustee for the assets of any other charity in the year ended 31 March 2024.

47

Income and Expenditure

The results for the year are set out in the financial statements below. The financial statements show a total income for the year ended 31 March 2024 of £327,027 (year ended 31 March 2023: £353,929).

The total expenditure was £334,309 (year ended 31 March 2023: £392,890). The Trustees consider these results to reflect the challenging economic environment and the evolving landscape of charitable funding. While the deficit recorded this year is a concern, it is seen in the context of a broader strategic plan aimed at longterm sustainability and impact.

Net assets

For the year ended 31 March 2024, the Charity had tangible assets of £3,959 (year ended 31 March 2023: £4,381), stocks of £3,915 (year ended 31 March 2023: £2,801), debtors of £22,933 (year ended 31 March 2023: £57,722), cash of £143,964 (year ended 31 March 2023: £113,491). On 31 March 2024, the bank balance was £143,952. The Charity had amounts falling due within one year of £21,815 (year ended 31 March 2023: £18,157), leaving it with net assets of £152,956 (year ended 31 March 2023: £160,238).

For the year ended 31 March 2024, the Charity had restricted funds of £69,303 (year ended 31 March 2023: £74,138), and funds remaining for general use were £83,654 (year ended 31 March 2023: £86,100).

The difference between the bank balance and the cash on hand is due to a small petty cash balance of £11 maintained by the charity for minor and immediate expenses.

Within the financial year ending 31 March 2024, the charity experienced a reduction in net assets and a decrease in bank balances. This shift is in tandem with a deficit of £7,282. These changes reflect the ongoing challenges in the economic climate and the evolving nature of charitable funding, influencing our current financial standing and necessitating strategic adjustments for future stability and impact.

Going concern

When approving the financial statements, the Trustees acknowledge that the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 reflect a deficit and are inconsistent with the Trustees’ Reserves Policy. The Trustees have implemented measures to improve the financial stability of the charity. The impact of these measures is evident in the forecasts for the current year, which indicate a return to surplus. This positive trend supports the Trustees’ confidence in the charity’s ability to meet its financial commitments and continue its operations in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Trustees believe that the Going Concern basis is the appropriate basis for preparing the accounts.

48

Future Plans

Awareness –

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

Objectives:

During Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, we hope to work in partnership with the Global Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition and join our friends around the world to raise awareness.

We’ll organise ‘wee walks,’ wear orange, take orange-themed photos, and plan engaging activities. The month will culminate on 31 May with our “Bubbles for Bladder Cancer” event.

Fight Bladder Cancer will spearhead the UK initiatives for Awareness Month in May, launching a vibrant social media campaign, securing targeted coverage in traditional media, and encouraging a nationwide celebration of Bubbles for Bladder Cancer.

49

Awareness at events

Objectives:

Awareness – radio and newspaper campaigns

Aim: To adapt Fight Bladder Cancer’s media strategy to be more community-focused and costeffective.

Building on the success of our stands at events like the Royal College of GPs Conference, the British Association of Urological Nurses Conference, the GMB Workers’ Union Conference, the Fire Brigade Union Conference, the Unison Workers’ Union AGM, the Devon Marldon Apple Pie Fair, the RHS Wisley Craft and Design Fair, the Chinnor Vintage Fair, the Hever Castle Craft and Design Fair, the Art Unequalled Fair, and the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, we plan to expand our presence at conferences and community events.

Objectives:

Our aim is to secure more prominent and centrally located stands to enhance visibility and accessibility. By elevating our presence at these events, we hope to make a greater impact in raising awareness about bladder cancer.

Fight Bladder Cancer will shift its media strategy to focus more on community engagement. We will actively connect with local media channels that are both accessible and affordable, anticipating select appearances to discuss bladder cancer. Our approach will emphasise local and regional publications to maximise our reach.

By prioritising these community media avenues, we aim to effectively deliver our bladder cancer message to the intended audience. This strategy aligns with our commitment to conducting awareness activities sustainably and cost-effectively.

50

Awareness videos

Objectives:

We have begun developing an extensive video series aimed at raising bladder cancer awareness. This series will showcase real experiences and insights from a diverse group of individuals affected by the condition, helping to foster a comprehensive understanding of bladder cancer. We will emphasise the importance of early detection and partner with a professional production company to ensure high-quality and engaging content.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring representation from various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds within the bladder cancer community.

Awareness in Scotland

Objectives:

We are enhancing bladder cancer awareness across Scotland by adapting our educational materials and support specifically for Scottish communities. Collaborating with Bladder Cancer Scotland, we’re launching a Scottish Awareness Campaign on STV. The campaign will run for a month, with a 30-second advert airing nine times daily. Posters and billboards will feature across five major cities and 42 Scottish football clubs, aiming to reach over 1 million people.

We are also preparing for a Scottish Parliament Exhibition from 17-19 December 2024, sponsored by long-time supporter MSP Stuart McMillan (Greenock & Inverclyde), focusing on raising bladder cancer awareness and securing MSP support.

51

Awareness in Wales

Objectives:

We are dedicated to improving the understanding and management of bladder cancer in this region by tailoring our methods to meet the unique cultural and linguistic needs of Welsh communities. This includes localising our educational and support materials into Welsh and actively engaging with the community through a variety of initiatives.

We plan to attend the Welsh Urological Society annual meeting with an informative stall, further supported by our network of healthcare professionals and volunteers in key Welsh cities, including Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Wrexham, and Bangor. This collaborative effort will help us reach and support more individuals affected by bladder cancer across Wales.

52

Support – Patient Information Booklets

Objectives:

In the coming year, we will launch an additional booklet focused on innovative treatments for bladder cancer. To evaluate the impact of our booklets, we will track the number distributed to patients and caregivers, noting their preferences for digital versus print copies. In compliance with GDPR, we will collect data on the gender, diagnosis, and geographical location of the cancer patients. Additionally, we will distribute a survey to assess their needs and gather feedback on the value of the information provided, including whether they would recommend these resources to other cancer patients.

Support – website

Objectives:

The platform for our website, www. fightbladdercancer.co.uk, currently built on Drupal 7, will no longer be supported after January 2025. As a result, we need to completely rebuild our website using WordPress. This new architecture will enable us to incorporate features such as interactive maps and a search bar, enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, expand our online shop, reduce spam bot activity, and improve user navigation. Additionally, the site will be more user-friendly and easier to edit on mobile devices, seamlessly integrate our social media, and facilitate quick backups. It will also provide valuable information on innovative treatment options, clinical trials, support groups, and patient resources.

53

Support – Support groups, helpline and online forum

Aim: To expand and enhance our support network.

Objectives:

Our plans for the coming year are centred on strengthening our support services to better serve the bladder cancer community. We aim to enhance our existing support groups by increasing the frequency and variety of meetings, both virtual and inperson, to ensure that patients and their families have consistent access to emotional and practical support.

Additionally, we will expand our helpline services, making it more accessible for those in need of immediate assistance or guidance. Our online forum will also receive updates to improve user experience, allowing for easier navigation and increased engagement among members.

We are committed to developing new resources tailored to the specific needs of our community, including educational materials and guides on living with bladder cancer. By promoting peer-to-peer connections through our Bladder Buddies programme, we hope to foster a sense of camaraderie and shared experience among patients.

54

Policy change – Exemplar policy work

Objectives:

Building on our strategic policy framework designed to maximise the impact of our engagement activities, we will prioritise initiatives that promise meaningful change for patients and are feasible for our small team to implement effectively. Our focus will include:

Policy change – Supporting best practice in Scotland

Objectives:

We will maintain our efforts to assist Scottish urologists in utilising Quality Performance Indicators to ensure that bladder cancer patients receive timely and high-quality treatment. Additionally, we will share these best practices with healthcare professionals across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland

This Trustees’ Annual Report was authorised by the Board of Trustees on 29 January 2024 and was signed on their behalf by Andrew Dearden.

----- Start of picture text -----
ANDREW DEARDEN,
CHAIR OF TRUSTEES, 27 JANUARY 2024
----- End of picture text -----

55

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

For the year ended 31 March 2024

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and examiner

As the trustees of the charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (‘the 2005 Act’), the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). You are satisfied that the accounts of the Charity are not required by charity law to be audited and have chosen instead to have an independent examination.

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Charity are not required to be audited and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 44 (1) ( c) of the 2005 Act and section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the requirements of Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity, and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustee concerning any such matters.

The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit,and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view”, and this report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the Company is required by company law to prepare its accounts on an accruals basis and is registered as a charity in Scotland your examiner must be a member of a body listed in Regulation 11(2) of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, 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 that in any material respect:

/Continued...

56

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

For the year ended 31 March 2024

/Continued…

I understand that the financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view, and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following SORP 2015 FRS102, rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 (SORP 2005), which is referred to in the extant regulations, but has since been withdrawn.

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.

Charles Ssempijja, FCA

NfP Accountants Ltd Chartered Accountants 3rd Floor, 86-90 Paul Street London

EC2A 4NE Date: ………………………….

57

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31 March 2024

Unrestricted
Funds
Notes
2024
£
INCOME FROM
Donations and legacies
2
186,606
Other trading activities
3
12,561
Other income
19,693
Investment income
-
TOTAL INCOME
218,860
EXPENDITURE ON:
Awareness
78,340
Support
18,070
Policy Change
74,093
Research
20,806
191,309
Raising funds
4
29,080
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
220,389
(1,529)
Gains/(losses) on
investments: FBC
Trading Ltd
-
(1,529)
Transfer between funds
14
(918)
(2,447)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
86,100
83,653
£
TOTAL FUNDS
CARRIED FORWARD
Net expenditure before
transfers
Net income / (expenditure)
for the year
TOTAL FUNDS AT
BROUGHT FORWARD
NET MOVEMENT IN
FUNDS		 Unrestricted
Funds
Notes
2024
£
INCOME FROM
Donations and legacies
2
186,606
Other trading activities
3
12,561
Other income
19,693
Investment income
-
TOTAL INCOME
218,860
EXPENDITURE ON:
Awareness
78,340
Support
18,070
Policy Change
74,093
Research
20,806
191,309
Raising funds
4
29,080
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
220,389
(1,529)
Gains/(losses) on
investments: FBC
Trading Ltd
-
(1,529)
Transfer between funds
14
(918)
(2,447)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
86,100
83,653
£
TOTAL FUNDS
CARRIED FORWARD
Net expenditure before
transfers
Net income / (expenditure)
for the year
TOTAL FUNDS AT
BROUGHT FORWARD
NET MOVEMENT IN
FUNDS		 Restricted
Funds
2024
£
108,167
-
-
-		 Total
Funds
2024
£
294,773
12,561
19,693
-		 Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
176,733
17,574
16,830
21		 Restricted
Funds
2023
£
142,496
275
-
-		 Total
Funds
2023
£
319,229
17,849
16,830
21
218,860 108,167 327,027 211,158 142,771 353,929
78,340
18,070
74,093
20,806		 27,531
81,281
998
4,110		 105,871
99,351
75,091
24,916		 55,481
81,270
1,586
29,633		 2,643
19,358
140,421
-		 58,124
100,628
142,007
29,633
113,920
-		 305,229
29,080		 167,970
62,498		 162,422
-		 330,392
62,498
220,389 113,920 334,309 230,468 162,422 392,890
(1,529)
-		 (5,753)
-		 (7,282)
-		 (19,310)
(27)		 (19,651)
-		 (38,961)
(27)
(5,753)
918		 (7,282)
-		 (19,337)
(39,529)		 (19,651)
39,529		 (38,988)
-
(4,835)
74,138		 (7,282)
160,238		 (58,866)
144,966		 19,878
54,260		 (38,988)
199,226
83,653
**£ **		 69,303
**£ **		 152,956
**£ **		 86,100
_£ _		 74,138
_£ _		 160,238
_£ _

The annexed notes form part of these financial statements

58

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

(Registered charity number 1157763)

BALANCE SHEET As at 31 March 2024

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
11
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS: amounts falling due
within one year
13
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
Restricted funds
14
General fund
14		 2024
£
£
3,959
3,915
22,933
143,964
170,812
(21,815)
148,997
152,956
£
69,303
83,653
152,956
**£ **		 £
2,801
57,722
113,491		 2023
£
4,381
155,857
174,014
(18,157)
160,238
_£ _
74,138
86,100
160,238
_£ _

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

The financial statements were approved, and authorised for issue, by the Trustees on …………………….27th January 2025 and signed on their behalf by:-

Andrew Dearden, Chair

The annexed notes form part of these financial statements

59

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the year ended 31 March 2024

£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income for the period
(7,282)
Add back depreciation
2,406
Change in stock
(1,114)
Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
34,789
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
3,658
38,447
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of fixed assets
(2,349)
Sale of fixed assets
365
Cash flows from financing activities
-
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
30,473
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
113,491
Cash and cash equivalents at the year end
143,964
2024		 2023 2023
£
(44,061)
(18,490)		 £
(38,988)
2,333
373
(62,551)
(1,138)
-
-
(99,971)
213,462
113,491

60

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following SORP 2015 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 (SORP 2005) which has since been withdrawn.

Public benefit entity

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds: this is when any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and that the amount can be measured reliably.

Income is only deferred when: the donor specifies that the grant or donation must only be used in future accounting periods; or for performance related grants, where these are received in advance of the performances or specific event to which they relate.

Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

Fund accounting

Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund.

Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources received or generated for the charitable purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes.

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is considered all to relate to Charitable activities and includes the costs of delivering services undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs.

Charitable activities costs

Direct costs of charitable activities are those costs incurred by the charity and are directly attributable to the delivery of its activities. The total costs of each charitable activity also includes allocated staff and support costs.

Allocation of staff costs

Staff costs are allocated to charitable activities on the basis of staff effort, for example by reference to staff time, for each activity.

Allocation of support and governance costs

Support and governance costs are allocated between charitable in proportion to staff costs.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar

Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

No judgements have been made in the process of applying the above accounting policies and there are no key sources of estimation uncertainty.

Foreign currencies

The reporting currency is GBP. The Foundation operates a no loss no gains policy with regard to currency fluctuations between GBP and Kenyan Shillings. Currency fluctuation is contained within

62

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

Intangible assets

Intangible assets are stated in the Balance Sheet at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment. They are amortised on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Website

Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets cost £300 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses, calculated as follows:

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

DONATIONS AND LEGACIES DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
Donations received
24,511
Donations in Memorium
20,875
Grants - Pharmaceutical donors
11,250
Grants Received - Other
21,000
Fundraising activities
106,572
Other fundraising income
2,398
186,606
£
2023
Donations received
36,174
Donations in Memorium
17,487
Grants - Pharmaceutical donors
42,434
Grants Received - Other
16,313
Fundraising activities
63,901
Other fundraising income
424
176,733
_£ _		 Restricted
Funds
2024
£
-
-
89,057
18,750
360
-		 Total
Funds
2024
£
24,511
20,875
100,307
39,750
106,932
2,398		 Total
Funds
2023
£
36,174
17,487
171,223
30,020
63,901
424
186,606
**£ **		 108,167
**£ **		 294,773
**£ **		 319,229
_£ _
36,174
17,487
42,434
16,313
63,901
424		 -
-
128,789
13,707
-
-		 36,174
17,487
171,223
30,020
63,901
424
176,733
_£ _		 142,496
_£ _		 319,229
_£ _

Grants received - other: this includes government grants through the Kickstart scheme amounting to £0,000 (2023 - £10,340).

63

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

3. INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
Sales
2,363
Fees received
9,844
Sundry income
354
12,561
£
ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE
Current year
Staff /
consultant
costs
Direct
costs
£
£
Charitable activities
- Awareness
53,418
24,634
45,680
29,882
43,273
9,283
15,536
1,289
157,907
65,088
Fundraising costs
19,980
9,100
Governance & support costs
27,440
54,794
205,327
£
128,982
£
Staff /
consultant
costs
Direct costs
£
£
Charitable activities
- Awareness
27,642
17,240
44,053
35,472
63,941
47,436
12,167
11,638
147,803
111,786
Fundraising costs
20,804
41,694
Governance & support costs
29,557
41,246
198,164
£
194,726
£
- Support
- Policy
- Support
- Policy Change
- Research
- Research		 Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
Sales
2,363
Fees received
9,844
Sundry income
354
12,561
£
ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE
Current year
Staff /
consultant
costs
Direct
costs
£
£
Charitable activities
- Awareness
53,418
24,634
45,680
29,882
43,273
9,283
15,536
1,289
157,907
65,088
Fundraising costs
19,980
9,100
Governance & support costs
27,440
54,794
205,327
£
128,982
£
Staff /
consultant
costs
Direct costs
£
£
Charitable activities
- Awareness
27,642
17,240
44,053
35,472
63,941
47,436
12,167
11,638
147,803
111,786
Fundraising costs
20,804
41,694
Governance & support costs
29,557
41,246
198,164
£
194,726
£
- Support
- Policy
- Support
- Policy Change
- Research
- Research		 Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
Sales
2,363
Fees received
9,844
Sundry income
354
12,561
£
ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE
Current year
Staff /
consultant
costs
Direct
costs
£
£
Charitable activities
- Awareness
53,418
24,634
45,680
29,882
43,273
9,283
15,536
1,289
157,907
65,088
Fundraising costs
19,980
9,100
Governance & support costs
27,440
54,794
205,327
£
128,982
£
Staff /
consultant
costs
Direct costs
£
£
Charitable activities
- Awareness
27,642
17,240
44,053
35,472
63,941
47,436
12,167
11,638
147,803
111,786
Fundraising costs
20,804
41,694
Governance & support costs
29,557
41,246
198,164
£
194,726
£
- Support
- Policy
- Support
- Policy Change
- Research
- Research		 Restricted
Funds
2024
£
-
-
-		 Total
Funds
2024
£
2,363
9,844
354		 Total
Funds
2023
£
1,750
15,810
289
12,561
**£ **		 Nil
£		 12,561
**£ **		 17,849
_£ _
Direct
costs
£
24,634
29,882
9,283
1,289		 Support
costs
£
27,819
23,789
22,535
8,091		 Total 2024
£
105,871
99,351
75,091
24,916		 Total 2023
£
58,124
100,628
142,007
29,633
157,907
19,980
27,440		 65,088
9,100
54,794		 82,234
-
(82,234)		 305,229
29,080
-		 330,392
62,498
-
205,327
**£ **		 128,982
**£ **		 Nil
£		 334,309
**£ **		 392,890
_£ _
Staff /
consultant
costs
£
27,642
44,053
63,941
12,167		 Direct costs
£
17,240
35,472
47,436
11,638		 Support
costs
£
13,242
21,103
30,630
5,828		 Total 2023
£
58,124
100,628
142,007
29,633
147,803
20,804
29,557		 111,786
41,694
41,246		 70,803
-
(70,803)		 330,392
62,498
-
198,164
_£ _		 194,726
_£ _		 Nil
£		 392,890
_£ _

4. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE

Of total expenditure of £334,309, £113,920 (2023 - £162,422) was out of restricted income funds, and £220,389 (2023 - £230,468) was unrestricted.

64

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year (2023 - none).

3 trustees were reimbursed for out of pocket expenses amounting to £1,345 during the year (2023 - none).

6. OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There were no other disclosable related party transactions (2023 - the same).

7. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS

STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS
Unrestricted
Funds
2024
£
Salary costs
Wages and salaries
97,233
Social security costs
6,042
Employer's pension
2,778
106,053
**£ **		 Restricted
Funds
2024
£
74,635
5,698
2,711		 Total
Funds
2024
£
171,868
11,740
5,489		 Total
Funds
2023
£
180,126
12,632
5,406
106,053
**£ **		 83,044
**£ **		 189,097
**£ **		 198,164
_£ _

The monthly average number of persons (including senior management team) employed by the charity during the year was 6 (2023 - 6).

One employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (£70,000 - £80,000), including benefits, during the year (2023 - one employee (£60,000 - £70,000)).

Total remuneration for key management personnel amounted to £110,373 during the year (2023 - £99,117).

8. PENSIONS

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the charity to the scheme and amounted to £5,489 (2023 - £5,406).

65

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

9.
SUPPORT AND GOVERNANCE COSTS
Governance costs:
Independent Examiner's fee
Other governance costs
Support staff costs: wages and salaries
Other staff costs
Premises costs
IT and equipment
Postage, printing, and communications
Graphic Design
Professional fees
Depreciation and amortisation costs
Sundry		 2024
£
1,800
725		 2023
£
1,800
884
2,525
27,440
14,643
23,185
5,802
3,198
1,020
536
2,406
1,479		 2,684
29,557
8,584
10,229
7,168
734
1,693
6,678
2,333
1,143
82,234
**£ **		 70,803
_£ _

Support costs all relate to the charitable activities on the basis of staff time.

10. INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Website
Cost
At 1 April 2023 and at 31 March 2024
Amortisation
At 1 April 2023 and at 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023		 £
21,631
21,631
Nil
£
Nil
£

66

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 March 2024
Net book value
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2024
12. DEBTORS
Due within one year
Trade debtors
Prepayments
VAT debtor		 2024
£
1,109
21,821
3		 Office
equipment
£
16,877
2,349
(730)
18,496
12,496
2,406
(365)
14,537
4,381
_£ _
3,959
**£ **
2023
£
45,179
12,540
3
22,933
**£ **		 57,722
_£ _

67

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

13. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade creditors
Deferred grant income
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Accrued expenses
Deferred income
Balance at 1 April 2023
Amount released to incoming resources
Amount deferred in the year
Balance at 31 March 2024
STATEMENT OF FUNDS
Brought
Forward
£
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Patient Booklets
54,477
13,589
-
6,072
-
-
74,138
£
SUMMARY OF FUNDS
86,100
74,138
160,238
£
General Funds
Restricted Funds
Website
Support
Awareness
Research
Contact Cards		 Trade creditors
Deferred grant income
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Accrued expenses
Deferred income
Balance at 1 April 2023
Amount released to incoming resources
Amount deferred in the year
Balance at 31 March 2024
STATEMENT OF FUNDS
Brought
Forward
£
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Patient Booklets
54,477
13,589
-
6,072
-
-
74,138
£
SUMMARY OF FUNDS
86,100
74,138
160,238
£
General Funds
Restricted Funds
Website
Support
Awareness
Research
Contact Cards		 Incoming
Resources
£
61,750
-
29,505
-
1,000
15,912		 Resources
Expended
£
(77,773)
(3,508)
(21,539)
(6,990)
-
(4,110)		 2024
£
16,023
-
3,682
10
2,100		 2023
£
1,733
6,750
4,821
10
4,843
21,815
**£ **		 18,157
_£ _
6,750
(6,750)
-		 -
-
6,750
Nil
£		 6,750
_£ _
Transfers and
investment
gains/(losses)
£
-
-
-
918
-
-		 Carried
Forward
£
38,454
10,081
7,966
-
1,000
11,802
74,138
**£ **		 108,167
**£ **		 (113,920)
£		 918
**£ **		 69,303
**£ **
86,100
74,138		 218,860
108,167		 (220,389)
(113,920)		 (918)
918		 83,653
69,303
160,238
**£ **		 327,027
**£ **		 (334,309)
£		 Nil
£		 152,956
**£ **

14. STATEMENT OF FUNDS

68

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

STATEMENT OF FUNDS CONTINUED - 2023

RESTRICTED FUNDS
SUMMARY OF FUNDS - 2023
Restricted Funds
Research
General Funds
Patient booklets
Exemplar
Contact Cards
Patient Advocates
Website
Support		 Brought
Forward
£
1,650
18,875
33,735
-
-
-
-		 Incoming
Resources
£
88,339
-
37,983
821
15,268
360
-		 Resources
Expended
£
(35,512)
(5,286)
(74,514)
(21,199)
(9,196)
(16,715)
-		 Transfers and
investment
gains/(losses)
£
-
-
2,796
20,378
-
16,355
-		 Carried
Forward
£
54,477
13,589
-
-
6,072
-
-
54,260
_£ _		 142,771
_£ _		 (162,422)
£		 39,529
_£ _		 74,138
_£ _
144,966
54,260		 211,158
142,771		 (230,468)
(162,422)		 (39,556)
39,529		 86,100
74,138
199,226
£		 353,929
_£ _		 (392,890)
£		 (27)
£		 160,238
_£ _

Description of funds

Patient booklets

A new initiative to develop, produce, launch, and distribute a suite of ten patient information booklets designed to support patients on every step of their bladder cancer pathway.

Health Professional Contact Cards

Personalised business cards for nurses and other health professionals to give to patients, with the charity's support services and their own contact details.

Exemplar

The project seeks to define what exceptional services for people affected by bladder cancer would look like.

Patient Advocates

The recruitment, training, and support of people affected by bladder cancer to share their insights and lead the work of the charity.

Website

Refreshing fightbladdercancer.co.uk to ensure that it contains current and accessible information about the diagnosis, treatment, and care of bladder cancer.

69

FIGHT BLADDER CANCER

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

15. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets		 Unrestricted Funds
Designated
General
Funds
Funds
£
£
-
3,959
-
79,694
Nil
£
83,653
**£ **		 Unrestricted Funds
Designated
General
Funds
Funds
£
£
-
3,959
-
79,694
Nil
£
83,653
**£ **		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
69,303		 Total
Funds
£
3,959
148,997
Nil
£		 83,653
**£ **		 69,303
**£ **		 152,956
**£ **

16. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS

The charity had no operating lease commitments (2023 - the same).

17. OTHER COMPANY INFORMATION

Fight Bladder Cancer is a registered non-company charity, charity commission registration number 1157763. The registered office is 51 High Street Chinnor Oxfordshire OX39 4DJ. The accounts are presented in GBP to the nearest £1.

70

The Village Centre, High Street Chinnor, Oxon

01844 351 621

info@fightbladdercancer.co.uk Facebook/facebook.com/BladderCancerUK X/@BladderCancerUK Instagram/@BladderCancerUK