Sierra Leone Cycling Foundation
Annual Accounts for the period 1[st] Jan 2025 to 31[st] Dec 2025
Charity Commission Registration Number 1207984
20 Stanley Avenue, Beckenham, Kent BR3 6PX hello@sierraleonecyclingfoundation.org
Trustees
Deena Blacking
Mohammad Sesay
Emma Shkurka
14 July 2026
Approved by the Trustees on
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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees Sierra Leone Cyding Foundation On accounts for the year ended 31 Dember 2025 Charity no (if any) 1207984 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of Ihe accounts of the above charity {Yhe Trust.) for the year ended Responsibilities and basis of report As the chartty's trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (Xhe Acl"). I report in reSct of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5}(b) of the Act. Independent examinerfs ststement I have completed my examination. I Confi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that discl¢)sed below "} which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordan with section 130 of the Charities Act,. or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or the accounls did not comply with the applicable requirements conMIng the fomi and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a Irue and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no cOnrnS 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. Please delete the worfs in the brdckets if they do not apply. Signed: Date: Name: Sally Rogefs Relevant professional qualification(s) or body FCCA IER Oct 2018 Doc ID.. 340b7479fft)558669e85743ab70200de86b21466
{if any): Address: 1 Abacus House. Newlands Road, Corsham , Wiltshire Section B Disclosure Only complete rf the examiner needs to highlighl matenal matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of tharity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Glve here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER Oct 2018 Doc ID.. 340b7479fft)558669e85743ab70200de86b21466
Statement of Financial Activities
Prepared for Sierra Leone Cycling Foundation: 1/1/2025 to 31/12/2025 (compared with 1/1/2024 to 31/12/2024)*
| Unrestricted | Total | Prior Total* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Donations and Legacies | 35,495 | 35,495 | 8,301 |
| Investments | 1 | 1 | |
| Total income and endowments | 35,496 | 35,496 | 8,301 |
| Charitable Activities | 31,046 | 31,046 | 5,700 |
| Total expenditure | 31,046 | 31,046 | 5,700 |
| Net income/(expenditure) before investment gains/(losses) | 4,450 | 4,450 | 2,601 |
| Net gains/(losses) on investments | |||
| Net income/(expenditure) | 4,450 | 4,450 | 2,601 |
| Exceptional items | |||
| Transfers between funds | |||
| Gains(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets for charity's own use | |||
| Other gains(losses) | |||
| Net movement in funds | 4,450 | 4,450 | 2,601 |
| Total funds brought forward | 2,601 | 2,601 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 7,051 | 7,051 | 2,601 |
Ms
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07-Mar-2026 11:50
Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1[st] Jan 2025 Period start date To 31[st] Dec 2025 Period end date
Charity name: Sierra Leone Cycling Foundation
Charity registration number: 1207984
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference |
||
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The object of the CIO is the advancement of amateur cycling in Sierra Leone for the public benefit, in particular but not exclusively among women and young people, through community engagement and inclusive sporting activities in local communities. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Support is given in the form of grants for Rider Development, Race Hosting, Equipment and wider cycling community activities. Grants in 2025 have included supporting a road race in the capital Freetown, criterium races including junior and female categories and Sierra Leones largest race The Tour de Lunsar. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | Yes, all three Trustees have regarded the guidance by the Charity Commission on public benefit. In planning our activities for the year, we continued to keep in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference
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| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | Sierra Leone Cycling Foundation Grant Making and Fund Distribution Policy Grants and support will be based on our previous and current experience working in Sierra Leone and the cycling industry and community. Where SLCF distributes funds to programme partners, SLCF will monitor, oversee, or administer financial control. SLCF will establish a memorandum of understanding with partners to provide appropriate governance for the funding purpose. SLCF will track all contractual obligations to suppliers of goods, services, and materials used in a programme’s activity. Other than occasions when SLCF is enabling someone to carry out its work, or activity of a project in which it is involved, the organisation will not fund an individual. All grant-making decisions are at the final discretion of SLCF. SLCF retains the right to accept proposals and/or applications on an invitation only basis. Base grant making criteria: ●Programme/activity to directly work within the Sierra Leone cycling community ●Programme/activity to focus on one or more of the following: access, improvement and progression of cycling in Sierra Leone, capacity building related to cycling activities. ●Before funds are released, fund receiver from the programme/activity must ○provide a detailed activity plan ○provide a financial request on how funds will be spent ○commit to reporting back against the financial request submitted ○have reported back in full on any and all previously granted fund requests Additional grant making guidelines: ●Programme(s) to work alongside SLNCA registered cycling clubs and/or registered NGOs ●Programme(s) can encompass wider members of the cycling community such as mechanics, volunteers, coaches, team managers ●Grants are for programmes that are outcomes-focused, driven by contextual knowledge and expertise. Before funds are released and in order to satisfy the grant funding to be used in a way that follows the vision, mission and values of SLCF, the fund receiver from the |
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- programme/activity may be required to additionally ○ partake in a face-to-face or virtual interview or discussion ○ provide additional evidence of status, registration and/or identification ○ provide evidence of relevant policies and procedures related to their organisation or institutions ○ commit to additional specific reporting requirements
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| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | As indicated above, our Policy on Social Investment is key to all our activities including community engagement and inclusive sporting activities in local communities in Sierra Leone. |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | SLCF has two dedicated volunteer Directors leading the grant making, fundraising and on the ground activities. Both have good knowledge and experience of Sierra Leone and one is based in Sierra Leone working for a different iNGO so is able to do the on- the-ground evaluation, monitoring and build partnership relations. Additionally the organisation has one voluntary Gift Aid secretary that assists with financial reporting and has strong experience with Charity Commission guidelines and Charity finance structures and reporting. Due to the increased fundraising income in 2025 we have also engaged a pro-bono accountant to be an Independent Examiner for the accounts. |
| Other | N/A |
Achievements and Performance
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| SORP reference |
||
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | In the past year of operating as a registered charity, SLCF has achieved; - Supporting Sierra Leone’s largest race – The Tour de Lunsar – with fundraising, resources and operational support and expertise - Supporting the establishment of the Sierra Leone Cycling Development Trust with the National Sports Authority. - Support the development and growth of online training ‘Zwift’ Programme. Critically this has enabled submission of results and statistics for top level athletes to continental training programmes and potential scouting opportunities. - Supporting junior, women’s and men’s races across different regions of Sierra Leone plus inclusive intraclub junior races. - The provision of equipment, especially to female and junior riders including 20+ bikes, parts, and team and training kit. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
||
|---|---|---|
| Para 1.41 | We were very satisfied with our achievements in 2025. We continued to experienced challenges in 2025 for supporting riders to race and take part in cycling activities outside of Sierra Leone due to the Sierra Leone National Cycling Association being in a state of turmoil. The SLNCA is not a partner of SLCF so this does not directly effect our activities, however they are a national governing entity that facilitates certain administrative processes. To mitigate this, we focused all efforts and resources towards regional and national events: - Securing support for one criterium race in the North East district of Kono which took place in February 2025. - Supporting Sierra Leone’s largest multi-day event Tour de Lunsar which included U12, U19 and both male and female categories with equal prize money. |
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| - Supporting one distance race in the capital city Freetown in November 2025. This included growing our relationship with the hosts and grant reciepients Flames Cycling Club. - Supporting the growth of partner and grant recipient Lunsar Cycling Team, particularly focusing on the development of female and junior riders. 2025 also saw the first SLCF supported ‘Bicycle Library’ at Marampa School, Port Loko District. This activity goes hand-in- hand with the development of a new partner – Village Bicycle Project Sierra Leone. |
||
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | A concerted effort in 2025 was to identify and contact funders for 2025-2026-2027 activities. A large proportion of fundraising efforts in 2025 was focused on the Tour de Lunsar. With racing falling between October – May, we were happy to support the start of the cycling activity season with one race and secure a programme for 2026. |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | N/A |
| Other | N/A |
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Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | As a relatively newly registered, volunteer- led charitable organisation, we are happy with our end of financial period position. A secure start has allowed us to plan and strategize for growing into 2026 and 2027 with further fundraising activities and growth of income and savings. We continue to hold strong connections and relationships with several core supporters and donors which contributes to a level of financial security for some of our planned activities. Although we do not have a large cash reserve, we consistently operate within our budget and fundraise on a project basis, which is the most sustainable way we can afford to run the charity at present. While we hope to engage with more consistent donors to enable us to create solid foundations for the organisation, we are cognisant of the global economic situation and the general trend away from philanthropy /sponsorship at present. We will continue to provide donors and supporters with clear, focused targets for any fundraising efforts, ensuring that these efforts are efficient and proportionate to our work and our volunteer workforce. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | As a volunteer-led organisation with no monthly running costs or repeat grants awarded thus far, we are planning on moving towards strategizing and adding to our reserves over the next 18 months into 2026-2027. Currently we are adding a small amount monthly to our reserves as good practice. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £175 at the end of 2025 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | As a newly registered, volunteer-led organisation with no monthly running costs or repeat grants awarded thus far, we have been focusing our efforts on increasing fundraising activities so we are able to more towards growing reserves going forward. |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | None |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | None |
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Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | - Public fundraising through fundraising platforms and social media. Such funds attracted Gift Aid from UK taxpayers which we diligently follow up with HMRC. - Donations from strategic partners for specific events |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | Currently all funds are held in two cash bank accounts in the UK. Both are held with the Co-Operative bank, which has a good reputation for charity banking. |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The current poor economic situation in the bicycle/cycling industry is causing turbulence and reduction in funding from that sector and industry. This economic situation is one over which regrettably we have no control. We have already mitigated this with diversification of seeking funding partnerships from other industries and sectors. |
| Other | ||
| tructure, Governance and Management | ||
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | CIO Association (model constitution) |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Trustees are appointed or re-appointed at each AGM by the Trustee Board. |
Structure, Governance and Management
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
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| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | Referral to relevant Charity Commission website Trustee information and other sites such as NVCO etc |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | UK based;one volunteer Director, plus one Finance/Gift Aid/Admin volunteer. Sierra Leone based; one volunteer Director is based in Sierra Leone for 10 months in 2025. They are able to carry out activities including monitoring and evaluation in their spare time. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Sierra Leone Cycling Foundation |
| Other name the charity uses | SLCF |
| Registered charity number | 1207984 |
| Charity’s principal address | 20 Stanley Avenue BECKENHAM Kent BR3 6PX |
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Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
| Deena Blacking |
||||
| Mohammad Sesay |
||||
| EmmaShkurka |
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name N/A
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for whole year |
|
| N/A |
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
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Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
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Type of Name Address
adviser
N/A
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Thomas Charles Owen – Director
Roxanne Hargreaves - Director
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Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
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Signature(s)
Deena Blacking Mohammad Sesay
Full name(s)
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Position (egTrustee trustee Secretary, Chair, etc)
Date 07 / 11 / 2026
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