Annual Report 2025 Part One: Impact Report Part Two: Annual Report and Accounts
## **Impact Report 2025**
Helping young adults live well with cancer
www.elladawsonfoundation.org.uk
Registered Charity: 1204154
**“** _**I want to put out there something I was missing, something that others can relate to in the future and prove not all is lost when you have been diagnosed with cancer.”** Ella Dawson, 1997-2021 The Ella Dawson Foundation is her legacy._
## **A letter from our Founder**
As we approach the end of our fourth year, I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together and the impact we have made on many young lives across the country. Since launching the Ella Dawson Foundation, we have now provided life-changing support to more than 2,500 young people living with and beyond cancer and their families.
In what continues to be a challenging economic climate, we could not do this work without the kindness and generosity of our community. Thank you to our Trustees, Lived Experience Panel Volunteers, Donors, Partners, Supporters, Beneficiaries, and Fundraisers. Together, we are working to ensure that every young adult diagnosed with cancer has access to the tools and support they need to live well and feel empowered.
Looking ahead, 2026 marks five years since we lost Ella and the Ella Dawson Foundation was created in her legacy. This will be a moment of reflection and even greater purpose. I am delighted to share this impact report, highlighting the achievements and stories that shaped 2025 at the Ella Dawson Foundation.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Our mission continues and together, we will make a difference to more young people facing cancer and their families and carers.
Jane Dawson Founder, CEO
Founders Jane, Kevin and Tasha at the Buccleuch Property Challenge this Summer
## **Together we are Changing Lives**
The Ella Dawson Foundation is a national charity supporting young adults aged 18–30, their families and carers, through tailored psychological, emotional, physical, nutritional and wellbeing support at any stage of cancer.
Our mission is to ensure every young adult diagnosed with cancer has the tools and support they need to live well and feel empowered.
Since our launch in 2022 we’ve supported over 2500 young people living with and beyond cancer and their families
The Ella Dawson Foundation is a legacy to Ella Dawson. Ella was diagnosed with PH+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in August 2019, aged 22. Over the course of the following 2 years, Ella underwent constant treatment. Sadly, Ella's disease was very aggressive and, heartbreakingly, she passed away in July 2021.
During her illness, Ella found that there was greater need for specialised mental and physical health and wellbeing support unique to the needs of young people with cancer.
Ella created a wellbeing blueprint to help others like her. The Ella Dawson Foundation was launched, as a legacy to Ella and the life she lived so well.
_**“I want to put out there something I was missing, I want to prove not all is lost when you have been diagnosed with cancer.” Ella Dawson, 2020**_
## **The Year at a Glance**
Our mission is that every young adult with cancer and their families and carers have the tools and support they need to live well and feel empowered.
We have supported 1000 young people living with and beyond cancer and their families in 2025..
In 2025, we have extended our reach nationally reaching 95 treating hospitals nationwide.
We value the lived experience of all those we work with and support, and wellbeing is at the core of the support we offer.
We are dedicated to providing timely, tailored and high quality support to young people with cancer, when they need it and for as long as they need it.
We have funded a dedicated Complimentary Therapist supporting 270 young people and their families at the Christie Hospital, Manchester.
“I really needed a space and support to help me deal with all I was feeling and thinking. One of my best friends reached out to the Ella Dawson Foundation, and I immediately got a response. The support I received during the psychology sessions was exactly what I needed. My psychologist helped me speak through, process and understand all that I was experiencing in a safe place.” - Kim
## **Meet Ellys**
I am Ellys, 24 years old. I love socialising with my friends, grabbing coffee on the weekends and baking!
“I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. I was a rare case where my symptoms included a swollen face and debilitating shoulder pain which meant the doctors did not diagnose me for a really long time. I was in hospital for 3 very scary and very long weeks which is when it felt like my world was just tipped upside down.
My clinical nurse referred me to the Ella Dawson Foundation and the support I have received has made such a difference. I felt lost and felt so alone like I was the only young person to go through this. I felt like I had nowhere to turn to. Prior to the Ella Dawson Foundation, I was unaware of the amazing support they can provide.
The eat well sessions helped me gain confidence in what I was eating again. I have such a passion for cooking and baking which I felt with the treatment I was losing due to weight loss and appetite changes. However, the eat well sessions provided me such important nutritional lessons. I will be forever grateful for my move well sessions with Katy, I have found strength in being able to move my body again even if that was just an hour of yoga a week on my bed. Having that focused time each week carved out to relax and move my body was great.
I have now gained so much of my confidence back and a year after receiving the diagnosis I am back to my normal/usual self.
Even if you think you’re so alone, you never are and the support is there to help meet likeminded people and services which bring light even in darkness.’’
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Life Notes 1-2-1
Journal Yoga
Living
Well Group
Grant Nutrition
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Helping young adults live well with cancer**
We’re transforming cancer care for young people living with and beyond cancer and their families - delivering faster, tailored and personalised mental health, physical rehabilitation and wellbeing support. We empower young people to thrive, with better longterm outcomes and life changing impact.
We listen, understand and empower - placing young people at the heart of everything we do.
Young people told us our support helps them:
- Improve Mental Health
- Find Connection and Enjoyment
- Feel Heard and Understood
- Improve Confidence and Self-Belief
- Has a Life Changing Impact
Create a meaningful life with or beyond cancer
## **2025 What we’ve achieved:**
**1415 Sessions delivered**
Through our core programmes of support we have delivered 1415 1-2-1 and group sessions to young people living with and beyond cancer and their families.
**National reach across 95 treating hospitals**
We are proud to receive referrals from over 95 hospitals nationwide, with an equal geographic footprint across the UK.
**Our team has grown**
This year has been a year of sustained growth. We have strengthened and grown our Trustee Board, Lived Experience Panel and Ambassador network. Our team of expert practitioners has grown bringing new skills, increased capacity and diversity to our delivery team.
**We built partnerships**
We’ve built valuable partnerships with TeensUnite and Flynne’s Barn, while growing our Parliamentary presence through DHSC recognition, event attendance, and active involvement in Cancer52.
**Lived Experience at our core**
Founded on lived experience, and guided by our active Lived Experience Panel, we place lived experience at the heart of everything we do - shaping services, informing decisions, and ensuring our support truly reflects the needs of those we serve.
## **What We Deliver: Comprehensive Wellbeing Support**
At Ella Dawson Foundation, we are committed to empowering young adults with a cancer diagnosis, along with their families and carers, to live well. through and beyond cancer Through a holistic approach, we provide a range of services designed to support mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
## **Feel Well**
885 life changing sessions through clinical psychology, counselling and mindfulness journals helping overcome depression, anxiety, bereavement, trauma and life experiences.
## **Move Well**
316 personalised exercise rehabilitation and yoga sessions building strength, confidence, purpose and reconnecting with their bodies.
## **Eat Well**
88 tailored 1-2-1 and group sessions overcoming eating challenges due to cancer and its treatment and establishing health, sustainable food choices.
## **Live Well**
126 grants, wellbeing breaks and workshops empowering young people to have choice and find their new normal. New partnerships with Flynne’s Barn and TeensUnite.
I found this support to be outstanding and the quality of care, professionalism, and warmth of the team and the psychologist I was assigned really stood out. The sessions were incredibly helpful in supporting my emotional wellbeing and have given me practical tools I will continue to use. I felt genuinely listened to and supported throughout, and it gave me the opportunity to discuss my thoughts and feelings in a safe environment... This has made such a difference in helping me move forward feeling like I have some independence and clarity on my situation. Overall, I’ve been so impressed by the high standard of everything the Ella Dawson Foundation offers. The combination of kindness and expertise is really appreciated. - Miranda
## **Making a Difference**
**100%**
improved mental health, reducing severe symptoms of depression and anxiety to mild-moderate following our Feel Well programme.
**100%**
reported their general overall wellbeing to have improved following support.
**90%**
said they felt more empowered
**94%**
said they felt more like themselves
Your incredible support and generosity have helped us grow and rise to meet the increasing need for our services - transforming more young lives than ever before. Together, we’re creating life-changing moments and hope for young adults facing cancer. From all of us at the Ella Dawson Foundation, thank you for making this possible!
## **Inspiring Stories**
There are over 350 inspirational people who have taken on a challenge in 2025 to help young people live well with and beyond cancer. Each with their own individual challenge, story and reason. We are so grateful to every single person who joins our mission. Here are some supporter spotlights:
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Adam Waugh is sailing around the
world solo in a self built 19ft boat raising
funds for young adults with cancer.
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Snaps for Winnie completed the
London to Paris Cycle on a Brompton
bike in memory of Winnie.
**----- End of picture text -----**
Our Founder Jane, completed her first marathon, alongside our incredible London Marathon Team Ella runners.
Rosie completed her first half marathon following our Move Well programme and 9 months after being diagnosed with cancer.
Thank you to all our incredible volunteers, trustees, partners and members of the Lived Experience Panel for generously giving your time, expertise, and passion. Your commitment ensures that young adults facing cancer receive the support, resources, hope and community they deserve.
Together, we are making a real difference.
## **Join us in changing young lives**
Thank you for helping make 2025 a year of impact, growth and inspiration. Together, we’ve empowered young people and created brighter futures.
Join us on our mission:
- Partner with us: Corporate Partnerships & Charity of the Year Join a flagship or challenge event
- Take on your own fundraising event
- Become a regular donor | Volunteer with us
- Join our Business Development Board
To find out how you can be part of #TeamElla, visit our website or email Jane at jane@elladawsonfoundation.org.uk
# **Thank You to our Sponsors & Charity of the Year Partners**
**Thank you for helping us make a difference. Together, we are transforming lives.**
www.elladawsonfoundation.org.uk
Registered Charity: 1204154
"t•
**
' Accounts 2025
ella dawson
helping young adults
live well with cancer
## **THE ELLA DAWSON FOUNDATION CIO**
## **ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 31 DECEMBER 2025**
|**CONTENTS**|**Page**|
|---|---|
|**Information and Chair Summary**|**1-4**|
|**Trustees’ report**|**5-9**|
|**Independent Examiner’s report**|**10**|
|**Income and expenditure account**|**11-12**|
|**Balance sheet**|**13**|
|**Notes to the accounts**|**14-15**|
1
## **INFORMATION**
## **Trustees**
Jane Dawson (Chair) Kevin Dawson Hanna Simpson Laura Riach James Hales Kris Holland Erin Berry
## **Address**
The Art Studio 3 Delves Moor Chain Road Slaithwaite Huddersfield HD7 5TY
## **Accountants**
Wheawill & Sudworth Limited Chartered Accountants 35 Westgate Huddersfield HD1 1PA
## **Website**
www.elladawsonfoundation.org.uk
## **Contact**
E: hello@elladawsonfoundation.org.uk M: 07418 613885
2
## **THE ELLA DAWSON FOUNDATION CIO**
## **CHAIR'S SUMMARY**
As Chair of the Ella Dawson Foundation, I am exceptionally proud to reflect on what has been another year of remarkable growth, deepening impact, and inspiring community support. 2025 marks our fourth year of operation and a pivotal milestone - since we launched the charity in 2022, we have now provided life-changing support to more than 2,500 young people living with and beyond cancer and their families across the UK. Such growth reflects both the scale of need and the extraordinary dedication and commitment of every single person who supports the charity.
Inspired by Ella's vision, our mission remains unchanged: to ensure that every young adult with cancer, along with their families and carers, has the tools and support they need to live well and feel empowered through and beyond cancer. In 2025, we delivered on that mission at greater scale than ever before. Referrals into the charity grew by 70% and we supported 1,000 young people and their families through our core wellbeing programmes, delivering 1,415 individual and group support sessions, and extended our national referral network to reach 95 treating hospitals right across the UK.
We continued to fund our pioneering Complementary Therapist post at The Christie, Manchester, the first of its kind in the UK dedicated uniquely to the needs of young people with a cancer diagnosis, supporting 270 young people and their families annually. This role, is described by The Christie's Clinical Lead Nurse Specialist as ‘one of the most impactful services available to young people with cancer and we are proud to be able to deliver this highly specialised impactful support for young people and their families’
Our experienced team of practitioners continues to deliver outstanding, measurable outcomes. In 2025, 100% of young people supported through our Feel Well programme reported improved mental health, with clinically significant reductions in severe symptoms of depression and anxiety. 100% reported improved overall wellbeing, 90% felt more empowered, and 94% said they felt more like themselves. These results reflect not just the quality of our psychological, physical, nutritional and wellbeing support but the whole-person, holistic approach that lies at the heart of everything we do.
2025 has also been a year of building and establishing strong foundations to ensure the charity scales sustainably to deliver its mission. We have grown and strengthened our Trustee Board and Ambassador network and set our plans to launch a powerful Business Development Board in 2026. Our Lived Experience Panel continued to grow and play a vital role in shaping our services, and we remain proud that the voices of those we serve sit at the very heart of our decision-making.
Our team of expert practitioners has expanded and we have welcomed a fourth clinical psychologist and third cancer exercise practitioner to the team. This has delivered not only additional capacity but has allowed us respond to the needs of the young people we support in offering weekend and evening appointments as well as bringing greater diversity to the team.
We are committed to ensuring we deliver support when and how a young person needs that support and so being able to offer timely, free, flexible support is a fundamental of our work. We are exceptionally proud to have maintained our service KPI of beginning support within 14 days of referral across all of our programmes.
We built valuable new partnerships with TeensUnite and Flynne's Barn and grew our Parliamentary presence through DHSC recognition of our Clinical Psychology Service, event attendance, and active involvement in Cancer52.
Fundraising in 2025 was once again a testament to the generosity and determination of our extraordinary community. Over 350 supported the charity, attending events or taking on inspiring personal challenges, from the incredible Adam Waugh's solo round-the-world Mini Globe Race sailing voyage in his self-built 19ft boat, to our founder Jane completing her first marathon at the London Marathon, to Rosie running her first half marathon just nine months after her cancer diagnosis, as well as hundreds of incredible supporters who have given their time and commitment to take in challenges and raise vital funds to support our work.
Our flagship events, the Colour Ball and Great North Run were again huge successes.
We were delighted to expand our corporate partnerships and were generously chosen by Northedge Capital as their 2025 Golf Day Partner and by Buccleuch Property Challenge as their challenge partner for
3
2025. The second year of our charity partnership with Simpson Wood was again a huge success and we **ELLA DAWSON FOUNDATION CIO**
## **CHAIR’S SUMMARY Cont’d**
were privileged to be invited by them to attend their many fundraising events across the year,
We have continued to build and develop our relationships with trusts and foundations and grant funders and are extremely grateful for their generous support of our work, vital to delivering our work, programmes and impact.
In what continues to be a challenging economic climate for charities, we are grateful to have maintained and grown our income, generate surplus funds and strengthened our financial financial resilience We remain committed to building our financial reserves sustainably and broadening our income streams to ensure long-term resilience.
As we look ahead to 2026, a year which will mark five years since we lost Ella and established the charity was as her legacy, we do so with enormous pride in what has been achieved, and with even greater purpose. Our focus will be on scaling our services sustainably, further deepening our impact, broadening our reach to more young people and families across the UK, and continuing to advocate for wellbeing support to become part of standard cancer care for every young adult.
None of this would be possible without the donations, time, expertise and generosity of our entire community. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the operational team, I extend a heartfelt thank you to every person, trustee, volunteer, ambassador, corporate partner, funder, and supporter who has helped us make 2025 a year of life-changing impact.
Together, we are transforming lives.
## **Jane Dawson**
Chair, Ella Dawson Foundation
4
## **THE ELLA DAWSON FOUNDATION CIO**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT**
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
The Ella Dawson Foundation CIO is a registered charity, number 1204154 and is governed by its Governing Document adopted on its registration on 28 July 2023.
The founding registered charity, number 1197112, was an unincorporated entity, registered with Charities Commission on 14 December 2021 and operated until 23 October 2023. At that point the charity's activities and remaining funds amounting to £34,009 were transferred to this charity. The founding charity has now ceased to exist. The objects and activities of 1197112 and 1204154 remain unchanged, and operations have been continuous since the initial registration in December 2021.
## **APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES**
Apart from the first trustees, every trustee must be appointed for a period of 1 year. The selection of Trustees is made based on vacancies arising, additional skills and experience that potential new Trustees are able to afford and support of the charity’s mission and objectives. Each new Trustee receives the Charity Commission publication ‘The Essential Trustee: What you need to know’, the most recent published annual report and other resources deemed necessary to complete the appointment.
There was one new appointment, Erin Berry, in 2025 to the Trustee Board as Finance Trustee One Trustee, Natasha Dawson, resigned from the Board during the year in order to take up the position of Programme Manager. The role was openly advertised and filled through a recruitment process overseen by the Board. Natasha declared an interest and took no part in any discussions or decisions relating to the appointment. Any trustees with a conflict of interest declared their interests and recused themselves from all discussions and decision-making relating to the appointment. Following her resignation as Trustee, Natasha became an employee of the charity and no longer participated in Board decision-making
## **RISK POLICY**
The trustees regularly review the major risks which the charity is exposed to. Where appropriate, policies and procedures have been established to mitigate these risks. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with the safety of staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries, and all these procedures are reviewed periodically.
## **INTRODUCTION TO THE ELLA DAWSON FOUNDATION**
The Ella Dawson Foundation is a registered charity with the objective of providing support to allow young adults, aged 18–30 years old, with cancer, and their families and carers to feel well, move well, eat well, and live well.
Our mission is that every young adult, aged 18–30 years old, diagnosed with cancer in the UK, and their families and carers, have the tools and support they need to live well and feel empowered through and beyond a cancer diagnosis.
Each day in the UK, 13 young people aged 15-29 hear the devastating news 'you have cancer'. Life is suddenly put on hold as the physical and emotional challenges, fear, anxiety, uncertainty and loss of control inevitably take over. Despite a strong evidence base about the benefits of physical and emotional interventions during cancer, wellbeing support tailored to the unique needs of young people with cancer in the UK remains severely limited.
The Ella Dawson Foundation exists to change that. We deliver high quality highly impactful psychological, emotional, physical, nutritional and wellbeing support to enable young adults, aged 18–30 years old, and their families and carers to access tailored wellbeing support packages unique to their needs at any stage of their cancer diagnosis, within a safe, supporting and like-minded community.
## **BACKGROUND**
In 2019, whilst travelling in Colombia after graduating, Ella was diagnosed with PH+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, aged 22. Over the course of the following two years, Ella underwent almost constant treatment. She spent many months in isolation in hospital undergoing every possible known and
5
## **THE ELLA DAWSON FOUNDATION CIO**
## **TRUSTEE’S REPORT cont’d**
experimental treatment, each one more brutal than the last. Sadly, Ella's disease was very aggressive and, heartbreakingly, she passed away in July 2021, aged 24 years old.
During the two years of treatment, and despite exceptional medical and clinical care within the NHS, Ella, like many young people, felt that mental and physical health and wellbeing support tailored to the unique needs of young adults was lacking. Ella, like many others, wanted to retain her sense of self, her identity and keep living well through cancer. She was passionate about how she could make a difference and help demonstrate how physical, psychological, nutritional and wellbeing interventions are hugely impactful through and beyond a cancer diagnosis.
Over the course of her two-year illness, Ella worked with others and set about creating a wellbeing blueprint to help other young people with a cancer diagnosis. The Ella Dawson Foundation is her legacy.
_'I just want to put out there something that I was missing, I want to show that not all is lost when you have been diagnosed with cancer'_
Ella Dawson, 2020
## **OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES**
Our objective, as set out in our governing document, is:
_'The relief of sickness and the promotion and protection of health and wellbeing for young adults aged between 18–30 living in the UK through and beyond a cancer diagnosis and their families and carers in particular by providing physical, psychological and emotional support, resources and information with a view to providing palliative relief and improving their quality of life and to make grants towards research into the treatment of cancer in young people'._
## **OUR ACTIVITIES**
We aim to achieve our objectives by delivering free, timely, tailored, high-quality, and highly impactful psychological, emotional, nutritional, physical, and wellbeing support to young adults with cancer and their families, delivered within a safe, supportive and like-minded community.
Support can be accessed from diagnosis and up to two years post-completion of active treatment. Support is available within 14 days of referral and at times that suit young people, ensuring they receive help when they need it most. To deliver our programmes, our highly experienced team of clinical, healthcare, and wellbeing professionals provide the following services:
## **Feel Well**
A young person's emotional and psychological needs change throughout a diagnosis and in the months and years beyond. Accessing the right support early on can help prevent the short-, mid- and long-term psychological effects of cancer (including PTSD, trauma, and anxiety). Our Feel Well programme is designed to offer emotional and psychological support, giving young people and their families access to our team of clinical psychologists and counsellors, all of whom specialise in young person's oncology. Our Mindfulness & Productivity Journal, Life Notes, has proved very popular with young people as a tool that encourages reflection, motivation and goal setting, ultimately supporting emotional wellbeing. We believe our service, offering 14-day access to specialist clinical psychologists, to young adults with and beyond cancer, is unique in the UK.
## **Move Well**
The benefits of movement before, during and after cancer treatment are now well-documented through extensive research. Our Move Well programme helps young people
6
## **ELLA DAWSON FOUNDATION CIO**
## **TRUSTEES REPORT Cont’d**
engage in physical activity they enjoy throughout and beyond their cancer experience. Delivered by our Accredited Cancer and Exercise Rehabilitation Practitioners, the programme is tailored to each young person's individual needs and goals. Support includes one-to-one personalised coaching and programmes, group exercise classes, yoga and mindful movement sessions.
## **Eat Well**
A healthy, balanced diet is essential throughout a cancer journey; however, it can be very difficult due to eating challenges and side effects such as treatment-affected appetite, nausea or weight changes. Our Eat Well programme provides personalised 1-to-1 consultations with our Oncology Dietician, a group programme for life after cancer, and a suite of healthy eating resources.
## **Live Well**
Alongside the harsh physical and emotional effects of cancer, a diagnosis can often take away a young person's sense of self and identity. Our Live Well programme is designed to support young people in regaining a sense of identity, a feeling of control, and bringing some enjoyment back into life. The programme includes a small grant that young people can use for anything that supports their own wellbeing, as well as funded 2-night stays at beautiful lodges in Yorkshire and new partnerships with Flynne's Barn and TeensUnite to extend access to meaningful respite experiences.
## **OUR ACHIEVEMENTS**
The Ella Dawson Foundation is a dynamic and forward-thinking charity, and we are incredibly proud of the continued growth, momentum and impact into our fourth year of operation.
## **Service Delivery**
In 2025, we supported 1,000 young people and their families, delivering 1,415 individual and group support sessions across our four core programmes. Through our Feel Well programme, we delivered 885 life-changing sessions through clinical psychology, counselling and mindfulness journals. Our Move Well programme delivered 316 personalised exercise rehabilitation and yoga sessions. Our Eat Well programme delivered 88 tailored 1-2-1 and group nutrition sessions. Our Live Well programme distributed 126 grants, wellbeing breaks and workshops empowering young people to find their new normal.
We continued to fund the first-of-its-kind dedicated Complementary Therapist post at The Christie in Manchester, exclusively supporting young people with cancer and their families, a role described by the Lead Nurse as one of the most impactful services for the 270 young people and families cared for there each year.
We are proud to have become a trusted referral pathway for over 95 hospitals throughout the UK, and to have established collaborative model with clinical NHS teams to ensure that young people get the support they need, when they need it.
## **Outcomes and Impact**
We are proud to have maintained our core KPI of offering the start of support within 14 days of referral, at a time that suits the individual. Our team expanded with an additional clinical psychologist and cancer exercise practitioner increasing both capacity, diversity and the ability to offer sessions outside standard working hours.
7
## **ELLA DAWSON FOUNDATION CIO TRUSTEE’S REPORT cont’d**
Outcome highlights from 2025 include:
- 100% of young people supported through Feel Well reported improved mental health,
- reducing severe symptoms of depression and anxiety to mild-moderate
- 100% reported improved overall wellbeing
- 90% said they felt more empowered
- 94% said they felt more like themselves
Our support continues to be described as 'life-changing' by the young people and families we support. We are pleased to include just one of the hundreds of feedback quotations we receive each year:
‘ _’My experience with the Ella Dawson Foundation has been incredibly positive and supportive. From the start, I felt listened to and understood, which made it easier to open up and focus on my goals. The encouragement and guidance I received have boosted my confidence, improved my wellbeing, and helped me feel more prepared to take positive steps forward. The support has truly made a difference in both my outlook and my readiness for the future’’_ – Eve aged 21
## **Lived Experience Panel**
Our Lived Experience Panel, a group of young people who have experienced a cancer diagnosis and received support from the Foundation, grew in the year and continued to meet regularly throughout 2025, playing a crucial role in shaping the direction of our services and ensuring that the voices of those we support remain at the heart of everything we do. The panel is central to everything we do ensuring young people’s voices shape the future of our service and delivery.
## **Fundraising and Community Support**
2025 was another inspiring year for fundraising, made possible by our amazing community of supporters, volunteers, corporate partners, and funders. Over 350 incredible people supported the charity, attending events and taking on personal challenges. Key events included the Colour Ball, Great North Run, London Marathon, Northedge Capital Golf Day and the Buccleuch Property Challenge, alongside numerous individual, community and corporate initiatives.
We are especially grateful to Adam Waugh, who continued his extraordinary solo round-the-world voyage in the 14-month Mini Globe Race, sailing in a 19ft boat he built himself. Our Founder Jane completed her first marathon at the London Marathon alongside Team Ella ambassadors Paul Bryce and Hana Hassanbek and Rosie ran her first half marathon nine months after her own cancer diagnosis.
We are incredibly grateful to our key funders including Sport England, the National Lottery Community Fund, Ardonagh Community Trust, the Foyle Foundation, George A Moore, St James Place Foundation, Charles and Elsie Sykes Charitable Trust, Bernard Kenneth Hufton Trust, Artemis Foundation and Sovereign Health Care, as well as our growing network of corporate Charity of the Year partners.
## **Collaborative Achievements**
We are proud to have built new partnerships in 2025 with TeensUnite and Flynne's Barn, and we continue to work with and collaborate with Teenage Cancer Trust, Young Lives vs Cancer, and as members of Cancer52. We continue to be active members of the 5K Your Way cancer support movement. We grew our Parliamentary presence through DHSC recognition of our specialist clinical psychology service and event attendance, and our Programme Manager continues as an active member of the West Yorkshire Cancer Alliance Board as a Public and Patient Representative.
## **Communication**
Our core values: Empathy, Authenticity, Empowerment and Inspiration are embedded throughout all areas of our work.
8
We continue to be grateful for the pro bono support from Kitto UK and Fluid CM whose marketing and **ELLA DAWSON FOUNDATION CIO**
## **TRUSTEE’S REPORT cont’d**
branding expertise has been instrumental in expanding our reach and connecting us with more young people, donors, supporters and partners.
## **GOVERNANCE**
The Charity's Adults and Children Safeguarding Policy was reviewed in the year and staff received refresher training.
During the year the charity strengthened its IT infrastructure and cyber security, including the installation of a firewall and quarantine system to protect against cyber threats. The charity also migrated to SharePoint, improving operational efficiency and document management across the team. IT and other systems are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the charity going forward
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
This report covers the 12-month period from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.
During this period our income grew significantly, reflecting strong donor, fundraising and corporate support alongside continued grant funding, enabling us to meet increasing demand for our services. Total income was £232,202 (2024: £194,733), representing an increase of approximately 19% year-on-year.
Total expenditure was £174,652 (2024: £131,690), reflecting the 70% increase in referrals and the increased volume of support provided. The charity generated a surplus of £57,550 (2024: £63,043), resulting in total funds at the end of the year of £154,602 (2024: £97,052).
All restricted funding received in 2025 was fully utilised in delivery of our Feel Well, Move Well and Live Well programmes. Unrestricted income has been deployed to fund remaining charitable service costs, administration, staffing and the continued development of the charity's capacity.
The trustees regularly consider the level of reserves that it is prudent for the Ella Dawson Foundation to hold. Consideration is given to future strategy, liabilities, and any other significant factors. The Charity is a going concern. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue its operations.
## **GOING FORWARD**
We are incredibly proud of the impact and momentum the charity has delivered in 2025, making a significant and meaningful difference to the lives of the young adults, families and carers we support.
As we look ahead to 2026, which will mark five years since Ella passed away and the charity was created in her legacy, our Board remains deeply committed to scaling our services sustainably, broadening our national reach, enhancing digital and physical resources, and continuing to advocate for wellbeing support to become part of standard cancer care for every young adult with cancer.
J Dawson Chair of Trustees 2026
9
## **THE ELLA DAWSON FOUNDATION CIO**
## **REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES**
I report on the accounts of The Ella Dawson Foundation CIO for the period ended 31 December 2025 which are set out on pages 10 to 13.
## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiner**
As the trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) and that an independent examination is needed. I am qualified to undertake the independent examination by being a member of the ICAEW.
It is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the Act;
- to follow the procedures laid down in General Directors given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Act); and
- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of independent examiner’s report**
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 trustees 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 ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
In connection with my examination, no material matter has come to my attention
- i. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and
- to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Act and the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 have not been met; or
- ii. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
D M Butterworth FCA WHEAWILL & SUDWORTH LIMITED Chartered Accountants 35 Westgate Huddersfield HD1 1PA
10
## **THE ELLA DAWSON FOUNDATION CIO**
## **INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**
## **for the period ended**
## **31 DECEMBER 2025**
|**31 DECEMBER 2025**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
||Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total|
||funds|funds|funds|funds|
||2025|2025|2025|2024|
||£|£|£|£|
|**Income**|||||
|Donations (individual/personal)|2,863|-|2,863|12,061|
|Donations (trusts/foundations)|19485|24630|44,475|93,998|
|Community fundraising|2,191|-|2,191|1,103|
|Challenge events|84,801|-|84,801|39,336|
|Major events|31,313|-|31,313|45,164|
|Art sales|688|-|688|716|
|Corporate donations/fundraising|59,367|-|59,367|200|
|Bank interest|1,122|-|1,122|2,155|
|Gift Aid|5,382|-|5,382|-|
||──────|──────|──────|──────|
|**Total incoming resources**|207572|24630|232,202|194,733|
||──────|──────|──────|──────|
|**Expenditure**|||||
|**Direct costs:**|||||
|Challenge events|5,072|-|5,072|8,764|
|Major events|20,754|-|20,754|17,367|
|Corporate donation costs|266|-|266|-|
||──────|──────|──────|──────|
||26,092|-|26,092|26,131|
||──────|──────|──────|──────|
|**Charitable activities**|||||
|Feel Well|21,146|25,847|46,993|28,369|
|Move Well|810|11,149|11,959|5,627|
|Live Well|8,760|8,190|16,950|10,311|
|Eat Well|8,250|-|8,250|12,382|
|Staff costs|8,471|-|8,471||
||──────|──────|──────|──────|
||47,437|45,186|92,623|56,689|
||──────|──────|──────|──────|
|**Administration costs**|||||
|Salaries NI and pension|34,061|-|34,061|29,535|
|Volunteer expenses|79|-|79|18|
|Printing & postage|4,319|-|4,319|2,460|
|Accountancy fees|780|-|780|780|
|IT|5,524|-|5,524|3,040|
|Insurance|1,893|-|1,893|548|
|Legal fees|-|-|-|3,021|
|Subscriptions and membership|1,060|-|1,060|539|
|Marketing|3,769|-|3,769|6,038|
|Training|-|-|-|690|
|Bank charges|312|-|312|262|
|Other|4,140|-|4,140|1,939|
||──────|──────|──────|──────|
||55,937|-|55,937|48,870|
||──────|──────|──────|──────|
|**Total expenditure**|129,466|45,186|174,652|131,690|
||──────|──────|──────|──────|
11
## **THE ELLA DAWSON FOUNDATION CIO**
## **INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT (Continued)**
## **for the period ended**
## **31 DECEMBER 2025**
|**31 DECEMBER 2025**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
||Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total|
||funds|funds|funds|funds|
||2025|2025|2025|2024|
||£|£|£|£|
|**Surplus for the period**|102,736|(45,186)|57,550|63,043|
||──────|──────|──────|──────|
|Funds brought forward|80,306|16,746|97,052|34,009|
|Transfers|(28,440)|28,440|-|-|
||──────|──────|──────|──────|
|**Funds carried forward**|154,602|-|154,602|97,052|
||══════|══════|══════|══════|
12
## **BALANCE SHEET**
## **31 DECEMBER 2025**
||2025|2024|
|---|---|---|
||£|£|
|**Cash at bank and in hand:**|||
|Current account|156,162|97,832|
|**Creditors:**|||
|Accruals|(1,560)|(780)|
||──────|──────|
|**Net assets**|154,602|97,052|
||══════|══════|
|**Funds**|||
|At 1 January 2025|97,052|-|
|Surplus for the period|57,550|63,043|
|Transfer of reserves from founding charity|-|34,009|
||──────|──────|
|**At 31 December 2025**|154,602|97,052|
||══════|══════|
|Unrestricted funds|154,602|80,306|
|Restricted funds|-|16,746|
||──────|──────|
|**Total funds**|154,602|97,052|
||══════|══════|
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Jane Dawson Chair 2026
13
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS**
## **31 DECEMBER 20**
## 1 **Accounting policies**
## Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and include the results of the charity’s operations which are described in the trustees’ report and all of which are continuing.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting for 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 Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The charity is exempt from preparing a cash flow statement.
## Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general activities of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific instructions imposed by the donors.
## Taxation
The charity is not liable for corporation tax by reason of its charitable objects and status.
## Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statements of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Gifts and donations received in kind are recognised at their estimated values for both income and matched expenditure.
## Value added tax
Value added tax is not recoverable by the charity, and as such is included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities.
## Resources expended
All expenditure is accounted for as incurred and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
## Financial instruments
Financial instruments are classified and accounted for, according to the substance of the contractual arrangement, as financial assets, financial liabilities or equity instruments. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charity after deducting all of its liabilities.
14
## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)**
## **31 DECEMBER 2025**
|2|**Net incoming resources for the period**|2025|2024|
|---|---|---|---|
|||£|£|
||This is stated after charging:|||
||Trustees’ remuneration|-|-|
||Independent exemption fee|300|300|
|||══════|══════|
Trustees are not remunerated or reimbursed for any personal expenses incurred on charitable activities.
The charity had two paid employees during the period.
## 3 **Incoming resources received in kind**
During the period the charity was provided with free resources covering website costs and branding materials. The total value of these has been estimated at £16,500.
|4|**Creditors:**|2025|2024|
|---|---|---|---|
|||£|£|
||Independent examination and payroll fees|1,560|780|
|||══════|══════|
## 5 **Reserves**
Restricted funding received during the period amounted to £24,630. This was provided to assist with Feel Well and Live Well Programmes,
The balance of income received was of a general nature and utilised to further the charity’s over-riding objectives.
|6|**Capital commitments**|2025|2024|
|---|---|---|---|
|||£|£|
||Capital expenditure contracted but not provided in the accounts|-|-|
|||══════|══════|
- 7 **Related party disclosures**
The trustees are not aware of any material related party transactions that require disclosure.
There is no one controlling party of the charity.
15