REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBEIL. IK1795584 IEngland and Waley) REGISTERED CHARrtY NtSMBEIL. 228634 Report of the Trllstees and Audlted Flpanthl Statements for the Year Ended 31 Mar¢b 2023 for The Multlple Sderosts Re￿r¢b And Rellef Fund Peter Weldon & Co. Ltd, Stalutory Auditor 87 Station Road Ashington Northumberland NE63 8RS The Multiple Stltrosis Research And Relief Fund ConteDts of the FiDgllcig1 Ststtments for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 P*£e CbairrnaD'S Report 2023 Report of the Truytees Report of ihe IDdepeDdeDt Auditors ststement of FiDaRcid Activilies 10 Balantt Sheet Cash Flow Stsiement 12 Notes to the C*sh Flow StstemeDt 13 Notu to the Financial StatemeDts 14 to 24 Detailed Statement of Fi￿ne1￿1 Acifvities 25 to 27 The Multiplt Sclerosis Research And Reli¢f FuRd Chairman's Report 2023 for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 The past year has been one of consolid￿10￿ and the re-se￿Ing of seeds for MSRRF following the ravages of the Covid pandemic. The uncertainties of the aftern￿th of the effects of Covid meant that planning with any degree of confidence was not possible. and th¢ Trustees took the view that our main priority had to be ensuring the SUTvival and future of MSRRF in what were extremely difficult ¢ircumstan¢es. This has be¢n achieved and our recovery is now well under way. Services have resumed. as previously. at no cost to service users. and are being expanded as and when we are able to do so. Filling vacant staff positions is an ongoing problem which we are all working hard to resolve. Outreach centres can be largely beyond our control. we are doing our best to ￿$tore preLovid operations and are always willing to look at new opportunities as they arise. The re-modelling of Southside House into a physiotherap). centre h&$ undoubtedly been badly hampered by Ehe pandemic which prcrfluced labour and component supply problems. but they are now behind us. and the completion of the projert is not too far away. The provision of a hydrotherapy pool proved to be both logistically and financially impraetieal. but we have managed to source a [[￿h]ne which has the same weight bearing effect on the body as water. and which of eourse. does away with the need for the user to have to change and get wet. The funds donated to the Chariry towards the cost of the proposed pwl have been diverted to this project and the results so far hav¢ been excellenz. From a financial w)int of view. th¢ year wa5 vcry su￿¢S$fUl. legacy I￿￿￿e in particular was substsntial. and we are very grnteful to everybody who remembers us in their will. In closin& on behalf of the Trustees and myself. I would like to pay tribute to our loyal and deAJicated staff, who despite depleted numbers have work¢d tirelessly on ￿half of MSRRF their efforts are much valued by us all. Page I The Multipk Scl¢rosi$ Research Alld Relief Fund Report of the Truytees for tbe Year Ended 31 Martb 2023 The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Componie5 Act 2006. present their report with the financial ststements of the ehariry for the year ¢nd¢d 31 Mareh 2023. The trustees have adopted the provision5 of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their a￿)Unts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in ihe UK and Rq)ublic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2019)- OKJECTIVES AND ACTIvrrIES Objeetives and aims To provide supw)rt. counselling and traintng to the sufferers and carers of multiple sclerosis in the mOr￿th The trustees ￿nf1rni that they have referred ￿ the guidance ¢ontsined in the Charity Commission's genernl guidance on public benefit when r¢vi¢wing the Trnsvs aims and objectives and in planning future activities aTrJ settin8 the grant making wlicy for the year. To advance education and trainin8 of the community in the syrnptom% types. causes, diagnosis and t￿alMertt of multiple ￿ler0$1s. STIi4TEGIC REPORT Financial Review During the year ended 3 1st March 2023 the net assets of the Multiple Sclerosis Research and Relief Fund increased by £322,642 from £2,990.377 to £3 J13.019. The company had an increase of net incoming resources of £419,857 and a decrease in gains on investments of £97.215.The balance sheet of 31ll March 2023 continues to show a robust posiiion with net current &ysets of£614,531. Investment policy and objec¢ives The Charity maintains a high level of risk free liquid funds on deposit at any point in time. Surplus funds are mana8¢d by professional investment advisors on a low risk basis with regular comprehensive monitoring and feedback as to perfomance and straiegy.Investhients are made within an ethical framework set by the board. Reserves Poli¢y The Truslees have given careful consideration to the CUTTeni and future needs of the Charitys beneficiaries. the risks and opportunities association with the nornial running of the Charit)'s affairs and have forniulatèj a reserv¢s policy a¢wrdingly. At 31 st March 2023. the Charity had ￿erVeS of £3.313.019 of which £68.510 COT￿ltUted liestricied Funds. Of Unrestricted Funds constituting £3.244.51NJ. £481.469 wer¢ tid to freehold Pro￿ty at the year end (2022: £2.915.787 of which £520.266 was tied to freehold property). The balance remaining comprises General funds of £2,763,040 which are available as working capital to develop the charity including where appropriate fvrther property acquisitions. PrlDclpal risks and uDcertsiDties The management committee h&s conducied a review of rhe major risks to which the charity is exposed. The charity is clear that unless there is any UneXP￿ted r¢duciion in funding then the charity is in a position io continue to develop and deliver its servi¢es. Where appropriat4 systems and procedure5 have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Internal control risks a￿ minimised by ihe implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. Pr(*edures are in place to ensure eomplianc¢ with health and safety of staff, volunte¢o service users and visitors to the charity. Page 2 The Mulilple Sclerosis Research And ReliefFund Report of ihe Trustees for the Year EDded 31 March 2023 GoverDiDg document The charity is controlled by its governing documenL a deed of trusL and eonstitutes a limited company, limited by guaranlK &5 defined by the Companies Aci 2006. Strnclurei governance *lld maDaEemeot The Multiple Selerosis Research and Relief Fund 15 a charitable company limited by guarantee and ¢ompli¢s with the Companies Act 2006 and the SORP. Incorp)rated on I l th Ma￿h 1964 and registered as a charity on 13th June 1969. the company was esrablished under a Memorandum of AS￿elatIOn, which established the objectives and powers of the Charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. the event of the eompany being wound up membeTS are required to contributed an amount not exceeding £1. The directors of the company are also charitable trustees for the pury)ose of Charity law and under the compan￿$ Articles are known as members of the Management Committee. Under the requirements of the Mernorandums and Articles of Association the longest servin8 members of the Management Committee will retire on rotstion at ¢ach Annual Genernl Meeting and being eligible can stand for re*lection. The Management Cornmittee seeks io ensure representation on the Board of Trustees to reflect those with specific experience of Multiple Sclerosis and the issues confronting sufferets. An on-goin8 skills audit is undertaken and training is provided to all n¢w managemeni ¢ommittce m¢mbers wvering.. - a) The obligations of the Management Committee b) The main documents which set out th¢ operational framework for the charity including the Memorandums and Articles ¢) Resourcing and the current fIna￿la1 p)sition as set out in the latesi published accounts d) Future plans and objectives Regular full team meetings inform the fu￿re planning and strategic thinking of the management committee and are open to staff. volunteers and peer volunteers. In addition. user and wer involvemeni groups and surveys of stakeholders inforrn the work of the chariry. The management committee has six members who meet every two months and are responsible for the strategi¢ direction and policy of the charity. At present the Committee has members from a variety of backgrounds relevant to the wi)rk of the charity. A s¢herne of delegation is in place and day-t(Hlay responsibility for the provision of the services rest with the Charity Manager. The Charity Manager is responsible for ensurin8 that the charity delivers the services specified and that key perforniance indicators are met. In so far as li is complimentary to the charitys object% the ¢harity is 8uided by both local and national wlicy. Kty tnan2gement remuneration Durin8 the year there was one member of key management who received remuneTation totslling £43,416 (2022: £40,187). REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number 00795584 (England and Wales) R￿n5tered Charity Rumber 228634 Pag¢ 3 The Multlple Sclerosis ReseAreh And Relief FuDd Report of the Tn￿lee5 for the Ytar Ended 31 Mar¢b 2023 Regiitered office Benmar House Choppin8ton Road Stobhill Morpeth Northumberland NE612HX Trustees P D Atkinson Chaiman K Trustee B Ellis Trumee M Sharp Trustee M Tate Trustee P Dawson Trustee N D Young (appointed 6110r2023) Audlion Pe*r Weldon & Co. Ltd. Ststutory Auditor 87 Station Road Ashington Northumberland NE63 8RS Sollcltorj Weightman$ I St James, Gate Newcasile upon Tyne NEI 4AD Charlty Manager Diane Charlton STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES The trustees (who are also the directors of The Multiple Sclerosis Research And Relief Fund for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the finan¢i81 statements in accordan¢e with appli¢Able law and United Kin8dom Accountin8 Standards {United Kingdom Generally Aecepted Accountin8 Prnctice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for ￿ch finan¢ial y¢ar which give a trn¢ and fair view of the slate of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resource& including the income and expenditure. of the charitable company for that perii)d. In preparin8 those financial statements. th¢ trus1¢¢5 are required to select suitsble accouniing policies and then tpply them consistenily: observe the m¢thiKis and principles in the Charity SORP. make judgements and estimaies ihat are reasonable and prudent" prepare the financial staternents on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitsble company will continue in busines Page 4 The Multiple Sclerosis Research And RelRef Fund Report of ihe Trustees for the Year Ended 31 Iqarch 2023 STATEMENT OF TRLSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES- continued The Irusiees are responsible for ke¢pino proper accounijno recordi I￿h7¢h dis¢lose Mrith reasonable accuracy ai anl. lime the finan¢ial position of ihe charitable compani and io enable Ihein lo ensure that ihe financial statements Compl￿ ii'ith the Companies Aci ?006. The!. are also responsible for safe?uardinp [l)e assets of the charitable compan), and hence for takino reasonable sieps for the prei'ention and detection of frnud and other irreoularities. In so far as the trustees are aii'are= there is no relevant audii infornjation of which ihe chariiable Lompan! s aydiiors are una￿.are: and the trustees have taken all sieps that the!. ought to hai'e iaken to make themselves aivare of an), relevant audit informaiion and io establish thai the auditors are aivare of Ihar inforniation. .4UDITORS The auditors. Pcier Il'eldon & Co. Lid, SiaiutoTh Audiior. ii.'ill be proposed for re-appoiniment ai tlie for(h¢oming Annual General Meeijno Report of the trustees, incorporating) a sirateoic report. approfved bi. order ot. Ihe board of trustees, as ihe company direciors. on ........... . and sioned on ihe board s behalf b).= tL_ I Sharp - Trus ee Page 5 Report of the IDdependtnt Auditors lo tbe Memben of The Multipk Stlerosls Research ADd Relief Fund Opinio We have audiied the financial statements of The Multiple Sclerosis Research And Relief Fund (the 'charilable company) for the year ended 31 March 2023 which comprise the Stst¢meni of Financial A¢tivitie% the Balan¢c SheeL the Cash Flow Ststement and notss to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accountin8 poli¢ies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their pr¢p8ration is applicable law and Uniied Kingdom Accountin8 Standards (United Kingdom Genernlly Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the state of the charitsble companys affairs as at 31 March 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resources. includin8 its income and expcndilur¢. for the year then ended: have been properly prepared in accord￿}Ce with United Kingdom Genernlly Accepted Accountin8 Practice; and have been prepared in a¢cordAn¢¢ wilh the requiTements of the Companics Act 2006. BASIS for opinio We conducted our audit in accordance with In￿rnali0n#I Sthndards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under ihose siandards are further described in the Audiiors, responsibilities for the audii of the financial ststemcnts seclion of our report. We are independent of the charitabl¢ company in accordance with the ethical r¢quircm¢nts that aff relevarkt to our audit of the financial statements in thc UK. ineludtng ihe FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical r¢sponsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit cvid¢n¢e we have obthined is sufficient and appropriat¢ to provide a basis for our opirtion. Coneluglonj rela¢lDg to going ¢ODcerD In auditing the financial statements. we have concluded that the irustres, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparntion of the financial statcments is appropriate. Baged ort the work we have perforn)ed, we have not identified any maierial Unce￿IntieS relating to events or conditions thaL individually or colleciively. m•y cast significant doubl on the charitable company's ability to continu¢ as a 80ing ¢onc¢rn for a pcriod of at leall twclvc monihs from when thc financial $tstem¢nts ar¢ authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of ihe trustees with resp￿1 to going ¢on¢ern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Other Infonnatlo The trustees are responsible for the other inforniation. The oiher infornation Comprises the infomation included in th¢ Annual R¢wrL other than the financial ststements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon. Our opinion on the finan¢ial statements does not coveT the other inforniation Ènd. except to the ¢xt¢nt otherwise explicitly stated in our repoo we do not express any forni of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements. our responsibility is to T￿ thc other infonnation an¢ in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsisteni with the financial statements or our knowl¢dg¢ obtsined in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misslalements. we are required to detemiine whether this gives rise to & material misstslement in ihe financial statements themselv¢s. If, based on the work we have perfornwj. w¢ ¢onclude that there is a matrrial misstatem¢nt of this other inforn]ation, we are required to report that facL We have nothing to report in this regard. Pag¢ 6 Report of the IDdepetsdeDt Audilors to the Members or The Multiple Sckrosis Rese8reh And Relief Fond Opinions on other prestribed by the Companie5 Act 2(Ki6 In our opinion. based on the work underEaken in the course of the audit. the infOrn￿tIon given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for whi¢h the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial Statements. and thc Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal Tequirements. Matters OD wbich we 4re required to report by exceptio In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in th¢ course of the audiL we have not identified material misstatements in the R¢pN)rt of the Trustees. We have nothing to re￿rt in rc5ped of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to re￿rt to you if. in our opinion: adequate accounting records ha%¢ not l*en kept or returns adequate for our almlit have noi been revTved from branches not visited by us. or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns. or certain disclosures of trustees, remunerntion specified bv law are made. or we have not received all the infomiation and explanations we require for our a￿11. Responsibilities of trnstees As explained more fully in the Ststem¢nt of T￿￿te¢s, R¢sFX)nsibilities. the trustees (who are also the dir￿tOrS of th¢ ¢haritsble company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the weparation of the financial statements and for ￿Ing satisfied that they give a tru¢ and fair view. and for such internal control as the trusrees dete￿Ine is n¢ce5sary to enable the preparation of financial ststements that are free from material misstatemenL whethu due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statemenw the In￿leeS are responsible for assessing the charitsble company's ability to continue as a going concern. disclosin& a5 applicable. matt￿5 relaied io going conc¢rn and using the going concern basis of accounting Unle￿ the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic aliernative but to do so. Page 7 Report of the Independent Auditors to tbe Metnbers of The Multiple Sclerosis Research Alld Relief Fund Our responsibilitks for the audit of the flnanelal statements Our objectives arc to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from mal¢rial misstatement. whether due to fraud or error. and to Issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance. but is noi a guarante¢ that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misstalement when it exists. Misstatemenis can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregat< Ih¢y could reasonably be eXp￿ted to influence the economic decisions of ugers tsken on the basis of the financial statements. Irregularities includin8 fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities. outlined above, lo detect m&terial missiatements in re5pe¢i of irregulAriti4 including fraud. The extertt ￿ ivhich our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below Based on our understanding of the industry. we identified that the principal risks of nonrycompliance with laws and regulations related to employment laws and indireei taxes and we considered the extent to which non-complian¢e might have a material effect on the financial Sthlements. We also considered those laws and r¢gulAtions that have a direct impacl on the preparalion of the financial stAtem¢nts such as the Companies Act 2006. We evalurlted managemenl's in¢entives and opportunities for fraudulertt manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and deterniined Ihat ihe principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal entries to Achieve desired finAnciAI result$ and the manipulation of exceptional items and management bias in accounting estimaTrs. Audit procedures perfomied by the engagement team in¢luded, but were not limited to: enquiries with managemenl. internal accounts and the legal ¢oun$¢l (internal and. whcrc relcvant. cxtcrnal). including consideration of known or suspe¢i¢d instsn¢es of frnud and non-compliance with laws and regulations examining $upportin8 ¢al¢ulation$ wher¢ a provision has b¢en made in respeci of these. There are inherent limitations of an audit. there is a risk that we will not deieci All irregularities, including those leading 10 a material misststem¢nt in the finan¢ial slalem¢nls or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulalion is removed from the events and trarts8ctions reflected in the financial statement& as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities o¢eurrin8 due to fr4ud rather than error, as fraud involves in*ntional ¢oneealmenL forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentsiion A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial staiem¢nts is located on the Financi&l Reporting Council's website At wWiV.f￿.org.uk/audit0rsreSponSibl1itie$. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors. Pag¢ 8 Report of the Independent Auditors to the Members of The imultiple Sclerosis Re$eareh And Relief Fund Use of our report Tliis report is made solely to the charitable ¢ompans. s meiiibers. as a bod),. in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act ?006. Our audit NN'ork has beeii iindertaken so that might state to tlie charitable companj s members those mailers ive are required to siaie to tliem in an auditors, report and for no other purpose. To tlie ful lesi exteni pennitted law. ￿￿'e do not accepi or assume responsibilit! io anvone other tl)an the ehariiable compan! aiid the cliaritable Company's members as a bodj. for our audit work, for Ihis reporL or for the opinions we have fornied. Peier Weldon (Senior Staiuiory Auditor) for aiid on beliall-of Peter Weldon & Co. Ltd. Statutory, Audiior 87 Siaiion Road Ashii)gioii Nlorthumberland NE63 8RS Date.. The Multiple Selerosis Research ADd Relief Fund Ststement of Financi21 Aclivlties neorporAting an Income Expenditure Ac¢ouDt) for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 2023 Total fund8 2022 Totll funds Unrestrleted Restricted funds funds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 922,183 922.183 226,868 Charitsble a¢tivlties ManA8ement and administraiion 1,000 1.000 16,893 Other tradin8 activities Investment income Other income 10.182 71.780 10,182 71,780 5.703 56,319 3J44 Total 1,005,145 1,005.145 309,127 EXPENDITURE ON RAisin8 funds 20,196 20.196 17.879 Charltable aetfvltleB Management and administration Granis Admin & running costs Premises ¢ost$ Governance costs 336,090 24,545 184,812 336,090 24,545 190,892 237,522 5.918 136,881 27,735 12,544 6.080 13,565 13.565 TolAI 579,208 6.080 585.288 438,479 Net gainsl(losses) on investments (97.215) (97.215) 108.587 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) 328,722 (6,080) 322,642 (20,765) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total fijnds brought forward 2,915.787 74.590 2.990.377 3.011.142 TOTAL FUNDS CARIUED FORWARD 3.244,509 68.510 3.313.019 2.990.377 The notes forni part of these financial statements Page 10 The Multiple Sclerosis Research And Relief Fund BalanLe Sheet 31 March 2023 2023 2022 Total funds Unrtslricfed Restricted funds fllnds funds Notes FIXF.D ASSETS Tangible assets Inv¢sini¢nts 14 484,6?8 15 2.213.860 484.628 2.213.860 i04.366 2,258,829 2.698.4S8 2,698.488 2,763.19) CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Qash at bank and in l)and 16 5,832 553,654 5,832 62? 164 6.190 ?90.872 68,510 )59.486 68.510 627.996 297.062 CREDITORS Aiiioiiiiis fall iiigi due within one year 17 (13.465) (13.465) (19.5861 NET CURRENT ASSETS 68,510 614.531 277,476 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 3,244.)09 68.510 3,313.019 3,040,671 CREDITORS Aiiiouiiis tallin& due 4l1i¢r more than one j'eflr 18 (50,2941 NET Assf.TS 3,244.509 6B.510 3,313.019 2,990.377 FUNDS Lliircstricled funds Restricied fuiids 20 3,244.509 68.510 2,915.787 74.590 TOTAL FUNDS 3,313.019 2,990.377 The financial siaiements ivere approved by the Board of Trustees aiid auil)orised for issue on 4... :: ..77................ and M'ere signed on its behalf bl.: L. M Sharp - Tri stee The notes form part of these tliTrancial statements Paoe 11 The Multiple Sclerosis Research And Relief Fund Cash Flow S¢alemen¢ for the Ye4r Ended 31 March 2023 2023 2022 Notes C￿h flows from operating a¢tivlties Cash generated from operations Interest paid 364.123 (2.071) (171.544) (1,065) Net cash provided byl(used in) operating activitie5 362.052 (172.609) Ca8h flows from inveitln% actlvltles PU￿haSe of fixed asset investments Sale of fixed assct inv¢$tments Inieresi received Dividends received (528.026) 425.486 1.747 70,033 (352,557) 403.345 43 56,276 Net cash (used inyprovided by investing activities (30,760) 107,107 Ch*Dge In Cash and equivAleD¢J In the reportlng period Cash fdnd cash equlvalen¢s at the beglnDlng of the reportlng perlod 331.292 (65,502) 290.872 356.374 Cgsb and easb equlvalen¢s At ihe end of the reportlng perlod 622,164 290.872 The notes forni part of these financial statements Page 12 The Mulilple Sclerosis Researeh And Relief Fund Notes to the Cash Flow Statement for the Yerdr Ended 31 Mareb 2023 RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITURE) TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2023 2022 Net ineomel(expenditure) for the reportlng period (as per tbe S18t¢ment of Financial Ac¢lvities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Lossesl(gain) on investments Interest received Interest paid Dividends reeeived Decrease in debtors DeC￿a$¢ in Creditors 322,642 (20,765) 19.738 97.215 (1,747) 2,071 (70.033) 358 (6.121) 21.447 (108.587) (43) 1.065 (56,276) 984 (9.369) N¢t eAgh provlded byl(u8ed in) operadon 364.123 (171,544) ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS At 114122 Cash flow At 3113123 Net Cash at bank and in hand 290,872 331,292 622,164 290.872 331.292 622,164 Llquld resourees Deposils included in cash Current asset investments 2.258.829 (44.969) 2,213.860 2,258.829 (44,969) 2.213,860 Debt Debts falling du¢ after l year (50,294) 50,294 (50,294) 50,294 Totsl 2,499.407 336,617 2.836.024 The notes form part of these financial staiements Page 13 Tbe Multiple Scierosis Resear¢h And Relief Fund Notes to tht FiD%nciAI StstemeDts for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 ACCOUNTllYG POLICIES Basis ofpreparing the finAncial ststemeDts The financial stst¢ments of the eharitable company. which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102. have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2019),. Financial Re￿rting Stsndard 102 The Financial Reporting Stsndard appIl￿ble in the UK and R¢publi¢ of Ireland. and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the hisiorieal cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value. as mcdifi¢d by the revaluation of certain assets. Income All income is recognIs￿ in the Statement of Financial Aetivities once the chariry has entitlem¢nt to the funds. it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be mwured reliably. Donations, Legacie& grant and Fundraising incom¢ is recognised on rexeipt of income. Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as 5wn as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to thai expenditure. it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will bc required in settlement and the amount of the obligation be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounied for on an accruals b&sis and has beert elassified under headiTJgs that aggregaie all cost related to the ca*gory. Where costs cannot be directly auributed to particular headings they hav¢ been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Grants offtrd subject to conditions which have not been met ai the year end date are noted as commitment but not accrued as expenditure. Tangible fixed assets Depreciation is provideA at the following annual in ord¢r to write off ¢a¢h asset over its estimaied useful life. Freehold prop Improvements to property FixDJres and fittings 4Vo on cost 150/D on reducing balance per annum 33Yo on cost per annum and 250/• on cost per annum Tangible assets held for the companies own use ar¢ ststed at Cost less accumulated dcprecialion and awumulated impairni¢nt loss￿. At each balance sheet dat4 the company reviews the Carrying amount of its tangible fixed assets to determine whether there is any indication that any iiems have suffered an impairni¢ni Ios5. If any 5u¢h indication exist& the recoverable amount of an asset is ¢siimaied in order to deterniine the extent of the itnpainnent loss. if any. Taxation The charity is exempt from COTP)ration tsx on its charitable aciivities. Fund ae¢ollntlng Unrestricted funds Can be used in accordance with the charitable obj¢c¢ives at the discretion of the trustees. Page 14 continued... The Multipk Sderosis Re%￿re￿ And Relief Fund Notes to the Fin*nei*l StsterneDts- tolltinued for the Year Ended 31 Mar¢h 2023 ACCOUNfllyG POLICIES- eoDtinued Fund ateounilDg Restrict¢d funds can only k used for particular restricted purp)ses within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when Sp￿lfied by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of th¢ nature and pur￿￿ of each fund is in¢lud¢d in the notes to th¢ financial statements. Pension costs ond other post-retirement benefits The charitable company operntes a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable companys pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the peric¥J to which they relate. Investments Investments are stated ai market value at th¢ balance shttt date. Purchases and sales in¢lud¢ transaction fees ¢har8ed by the investment manageN All other fees are charged to expenditure. Dtbtorg Trnde and other debtors are recognised 8t the settlement amout)t due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Creditors Creditors and provisions are recognised where there is a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds io a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation wi be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are nornially re¢ognis¢d al their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMEKfs AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY In the application of the Compan￿$ a￿Unting policies management is required to make judgernen estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabililies. The estimates and underlying assumptions arc ba%d on historical ¢xperience and other facto￿ that are considered to b¢ relevant. The estimate5 and underlying assumption are reviewed on an ongotng basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are reCO￿lsed in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revisTron affects only that period. or in the pericxj of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. The key assumptions and other sources of estimation uncertaTrnty that have & sigtkificant effect of causing adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets are as follows: - The amounts held in accruals for grants authorised but not yet paid are included on the assumption that they will be paid in the following year. It is possible that the grant can be withdrawn or the amount due to be pald could increase or dwease. Page 15 continued... The Mulilple Selerosis ReSea￿h And Relief FuDd Notes to the Financial Statements- continued for the Ye4r Ended 31 March 2023 DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 2023 2022 Donations Gift aid Legacies 35,444 2.404 884,335 39,486 5,397 181.985 922,183 226,868 OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES 2023 2022 Fundraising events 10.182 5,703 INVESTMENT INCOME 2023 2022 Other fixed asset invest- Fll Deposit account inter¢st 70.033 1,747 56.276 43 71.780 56.319 INCOME FROM CHARfrABLE ACTIVITIES 2023 2022 Aetfvity Joseph Strong Fraz¢r Trusi Managernent and administration Northumberland County Council 1.000 Management and administration 16.893 1,000 16,893 Page 16 continued... The Multiple Sclernsis Ruearch And Relief Fund Notes to the Fillan¢]￿ StstemeDts- eontinmed for the Year Ended 31 Martb 2023 Ralsithg donalioDS and kgaties 2023 2022 Fundrnisin8 3.563 2.868 Investment management Costs 2023 2022 Portfolio management 16.633 15,011 Aggregate amounts 20.196 17.879 CHARrrABLE A￿[VITIEs COSTS Grant fDlldittg of rtivities (see note SllPI)Ort costs (see note 10) Direct Costs 9) Totsls Management and administration Grants Admin & running costs Governance costs 336.090 336.090 24.545 190.892 13,565 24.545 57.021 133.871 13.S65 393.111 24.545 147.436 565.092 GRANTS PAYABLE 2023 2022 Grants 24.545 5.918 Page 17 ntinued... The Multiple Sckr05i5 Resegdrtb And Relief FuDd Notrs to the FIn￿ellI StstemeDts- continued for the Ye*r Ended 31 March 2023 10. SLfppoRT cosrs Governance eosts Other Totals Admin & rnnning costs Governance wsts 133.871 133.871 13.565 13.565 133.871 13,565 147.436 Supw)rt cos￿ included in the above. are as follows: Other 2023 Ad)Din & nning costs 2022 Tol81 activities Wages Pensions Rent and rates Insurnnce Light and heat Telephone Postage and stationery Sundries Trnining Repairs and maintenance Contracts Computer expense5 Trnvel expenses C05t of Truste¢s' meetings Bank charges Irr¢¢ov¢rabl¢ VAT Depreciation of t8ngible fixed assets 47J59 2,591 .427 2J82 3.147 2J61 497 45.944 2,437 2.949 2.446 1.925 .553 457 693 500 5,929 3.649 312 3.967 3.588 307 179 73 226 45.963 19,738 71 186 30,291 21,447 133.871 120.930 Page 18 continued... The Multipk Scltrosis RestArch And Relief Fund Notrs to the Flnandll StatemeDts- ¢i)Dtinued for the Year EDded 31 March 2023 10. SUPPORT COSTS- continued Governance costs 2023 2022 Total 4eilvStles Governance Legal and prof¢s5ional fees A¢countan¢y fees 3.143 8,351 2.071 1.785 9.694 1.065 13.565 12,544 11. NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITURE) Nel incom¢l{cxpcnditure) is Stsied after ¢har8irtW(crediting)'. 2023 2022 Depreeiation - owned assets 19,738 21.447 12. TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees, remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 Mar¢h 2022. Tru$tett' expttsses Expenses plid to Iruste¢s for ihe year ended 31 March 2023 were £242 (in 2022 they were £236). 13. STAFF COSTS 2023 2022 Wages and salaries Other pension costs 111.461 2.591 108.673 2.437 114,052 The average monthly number of employees during ihe year was as follows: 2023 2022 Staff No employees received emoluments in excess of £60.0(KI. Page 19 continued... The Multipk Sclerosis Research And Reli¢f FuDd Notrs to the Finalld￿ StstemeDts- continued for tbt Y￿r Ended 31 March 2023 14. TANGIBLE FIXED A&SETS Improvements Fixtures to and property fittings Freehold property Ttstsls COST At l April 2022 and 31 March 2023 667590 125.383 82J39 875,312 DEPRECIATION At l April 2022 Charge for year 215.4)9 11.576 77.248 7.220 78.239 942 370,946 19.738 At 31 March 2023 227.035 84.468 79,181 390.684 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2023 440.555 40.915 3,158 484,628 At 31 Marth 2022 452.131 48.135 4,lQO 504.366 IS FIXED ASSET tNVESTMENTS Listed investments MARKET VALUE At l April 2022 Additions Disposals 1,955.769 528.026 (467.924) At 31 March 2023 2,015,871 PROVISIONS At l April 2022 Revaluation adjustments (303.060) 105.071 At 31 March 2023 (197.989) NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2023 2,213.860 At 31 March 2022 2,258.829 There were no invesDncnt assets outside the UK. Page 20 ¢ontinu¢d... The Multiple Selerosis Research And Relief Fund Notes to the FIDan¢ial StatemeDts- Colltinued for tbe Year Ended 31 Marcb 2023 15. F￿ED ASSET INVESTMENTS- ¢oDtinued Cost or valuatiort at 31 March 2023 is repres¢nted by.. Listed illve81ments Valuation irt 2023 2,015.871 The revaluations of the investments are inline with the Investment Managers, market value assessments ofthe invesknents as at 3 1st March 2023. 16. DEYfoRS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2023 2022 Prcpaymcnts and accrued income 5,832 6.190 17. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FAlL￿G DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2023 2022 Social security and other t&xes VAT Net wages and pension Accrued expenses 2,503 372 990 9,600 2.265 372 469 16.480 13,465 19.586 I& CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALL￿G DUE ArfER MOIiE THAN ONE YEAR 2023 2022 Bank loans (see no￿ 19) 50.294 19. LOANS An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below: 2023 2022 Amounts falling due between two and five years: Bank loans- 2-5 years 50.294 Page21 continued... The Multiple Sclerosis Research And Relief Fund Notss to the FiDan¢iAI St2temeDts- continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 20. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds At 31￿n3 At 114n2 UDrestri¢ted fuDd$ General fund 2,915,787 328.722 3.244.509 Réstrleted funds Specialised Physiothcrapy Equipment 74.590 (6.080) 68.510 TOTAL Fi7NDS 2,990.377 322.642 3.313.019 Net movement in fund4 included in the above are as follows: ID¢omiD8 Rejources rtsonrces eipended Goitt¥ and Movem¢ttt In fund# Unr¢strl¢t¢d funds Genernl fund I,(K15,145 (579,208) (97,215) 328,722 ReJtrl¢ted funds Specialised Physiothernpy Equipment (6.080) (6.080) TOTAL FUNDS I.IK)5.145 (585,288) (97,215) 322,642 Compxrntlvel for mov¢ment ID funds Nel movemen¢ in fuDds At 3113122 At 114r£i Unregtrlcted funds GenerAI fund 2,910.552 5235 2.915,787 Rejtrieted funds Spe¢ialis¢d Physiotherapy Equipment 100.590 (26,000) 74,590 TOTAL FUNDS 3.011.142 (20,765) 2,990,377 Page 22 continued... The Multiple Sclerosis Re5ear¢b And Relief Fund Notes lo the Fiwincial Stsiements- e0lltin￿d for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 21K MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- conliiiued Comparntive net movement in fund4 included in the above are ￿ follows: ID¢omittg Resources Gains and Movement expended in fuDds Unrestricted funds General fund (412.479) 108.587 5235 Restricted funds Specialised Physiotherapy Equipment (26.000) (26.000) TOTAL Fi￿Ds 309.127 {438.479) 108.587 (20,765) A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined FM)sition 15 as follows: Net movemenl in funds Ai 31Dn3 At 114ni Unrestrlcted funds Gen¢Tal fund 1910.552 333.957 3,244.509 Restricted funds Specialised Physiotherapy Equipment 100,590 (32,080) 68.510 TOTAL FUNDS 3.011,142 301,877 3J13,019 A current year 12 months and prior yw 12 months combined net movemeni in fimds, included in the above are as follows- Incoming Resources resources expended Gains and Movemenl in funds Uoregtrletsd fuDds General fund lJ14272 {991,687) 1.372 333.957 R¢strR¢ted fuDds Specialised Physiotherapy Equipment (32.080) (32.080) TOTAL FUNDS 1.314272 (1.023.767) 1.372 301.877 Restrieted Funds Carers Page 23 ontinued... Tbe Multiple Sclerosis Researtb And Relief Fund Note5 to tbe FIDaDcial Statements- Continued for the Ye*r EDded 31 March 2023 20. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- contitslled The Carers fund was Set up following consullaiion with ￿PIe affected by Multiple Sclerosis. Enabled by generous fundin& a support group is to ￿ launched io give carcrs a break from caring. The aim being that the group can reAluce the sense of isolation and meet other carers 9) that they can receive support and reassurance. Carers will attend Mindfulness Gmup Sessions between July 2017 and July 2018, with at least 48 carers being able to have access io the s¢rvi¢e during thi5 period. Art Class The Art Class fund provides various classes from painting to cake decoratin& The purpose of the Classes is to enable service users to s￿la[1$¢ and enjoy aciivttie5 together. Specialised Physiothernpy Equipment The Sp¢¢ialised Physiotherapy Equipment fund is to further develop the range of %rVi￿$ offered to users. Class Equipment Following an extremely generous donation from a I￿al councillor we have bccn able to purchase 2 x spinning cycles and I x recumbent cycle. as well as other smaller piece5 of gym equipment. to enable th¢ charity to provide free of charge cycling classes for people with MS and their primary carers. 21. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES were no related paty transa¢tion5 for the year ended 31 March 2023. Page 24 The Multiple Selerosis Research And Reuef Fund Detsi]ed StattmeDI of FinAneial Attlvities for the Year Ended 31 M¥rth 21)23 2023 2022 INCOME AND ENI)OWMENTS Donations and le%*eles Donations Gift aid Legacies 35.444 2.404 884.335 39,486 5J97 181,985 922.183 226,868 Other trndittg Aetlvlties Fundrnisin8 cv¢nts 10.182 5.703 Investm¢n¢ income her fixed asset invest- Fll Deposit account interest 70.033 1.747 56.276 43 71,780 56,319 Charltable actfvltle8 Joseph Strong Frazer Trust Northumberland County Council 1.000 16.893 1.000 16,893 Other Income HMRC JRS in¢ome 3.344 Total incoming resourn 1,005,145 309,127 EXPENDITURE Ral$lttg don2doDs Alld leg*eleJ Fundraising 3,563 2,868 Investment maDagemeut ¢osts Portfolio management l6.633 15,011 Charitsble actfvltlej Wa8es Rent and rntes Insurance Carried forward 64.102 3.329 5.558 72.989 62,729 6.882 5,708 75.319 This page not form pArt of the statutory financial statements Page 25 The Multiple Sclerosis Research And Rtllef F￿lld Detailed St&temenl of Financial Activitles for the Yexr Ended 31 Mar¢h 2023 2023 2022 Charitsble activities Brought forward LighL he&t and water Telephone PrinL Postage and 5tatiortery Sundries Servtce User R¢pairs and maintcnanee Computer Costs Contracts Travel expenses Cost of Trustee's meetings R¢freshments and entertaining Therapist fees Voic¢ MS sO￿hSide House Granls to individuals 72.989 12,590 5.508 1.306 596 2,986 10.028 2,763 12,834 1.148 170 466 101,230 49 168.448 24.545 75,319 7.701 3,623 1,066 1.618 3.256 11.724 2,805 11.704 ,076 166 188 76.182 84,780 5,918 417.656 287,126 Support eosts Other Wages Pensions Rent and rnteg Insurance Light and heal Telephone Poslage and ststionery Sundries Trdining Repairs and maintenance Contracts Computer ¢xpen5e5 Travel expenses Cost of Trustees. meetings Bank charges Irrecoverable VAT D¢pr¢cialion of tangible fixed assets 47.359 2.591 1,427 2,382 3,147 2.361 497 66 45,944 2.437 2.949 2.446 1,925 1.553 457 693 500 5,929 3.649 312 141 71 186 30.291 21.447 3.967 3.588 307 179 73 226 45,963 19.738 133.871 120.930 Governance costs Legal and professional fees Carried forward 3.143 3,143 1,785 1,785 This page does not foTm part of the slatutory financial statements Page 26 The Multiple Sclero$is Research And Relief Fund Detsiled Statement of Financial A¢tlvfities for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 2023 2022 Goverttanee costs Broughi forward Accountan¢y fees 3,143 8,351 2.071 1,785 9.694 1,065 13.565 12,544 Totsl resources exp¢nded 585.288 438.479 Net IDcomel(txp¢ndlture) before gains ADd10$8¢s 419.857 (129,352) Re*listd recognlsed giln$ I￿8 Reali5ed gainsl(losses) on fixed asset investments (97,215) 108.587 Net Ineomel(expendlture) 322,642 (20,765) This pagc does not forni part of the statutory financial statemenls Page 27 MS Research and Relief Fund 'SupporHng people th¢led by MvAlple S¢lerosls" ANNUAL REPORT FINANCIAL YEAR 2022-2023 ## CONTENTS Contents ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Chairman’s Report ................................................................................................................................................................................. 1 Objectives and Activities ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Our Vision ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 2 Our Mission ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Our Values ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Charities History………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3 reference and administrative details……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4-6 Service Provision Review ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8-8 Service Development………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9 Volunteers and Friends of MSRRF ...................................................................................................................................................... 110 Grant Report .................................................................................................................................................................................. 121-12 Fundraising Report ........................................................................................................................................................................ 133-17 Legacies ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18 Research Opportunities……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….18 Finance .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 19-200 ## CHAIRMAN’S REPORT The past year has been one of consolidation and the re-sewing of seeds for MSRRF following the ravages of the Covid pandemic. The uncertainties of the aftermath of the effects of Covid meant that planning with any degree of confidence was not possible, and the Trustees took the view that our main priority had to be ensuring the survival and future of MSRRF in what were extremely difficult circumstances. This has been achieved and our recovery is now well under way. Services have resumed, as previously, at no cost to service users, and are being expanded as and when we are able to do so. Filling vacant staff positions is an ongoing problem which we are all working hard to resolve. Outreach centres can be largely beyond our control, but we are doing our best to restore pre-Covid operations and are always willing to look at new opportunities as they arise. The re-modelling of Southside House into a physiotherapy centre has undoubtedly been badly hampered by the pandemic which produced labour and component supply problems, but they are now behind us, and the completion of the project is not too far away. The provision of a hydrotherapy pool proved to be both logistically and financially impractical, but we have managed to source a machine which has the same weight bearing effect on the body as water, and which of course, does away with the need for the user to have to change and get wet. The funds donated to the Charity towards the cost of the proposed pool have been diverted to this project and the results so far have been excellent. From a financial point of view, the year was very successful, legacy income was substantial, and we are very grateful to everybody who remembers us in their will. In closing, on behalf of the Trustees and myself, I would like to pay tribute to our loyal and dedicated staff, who despite depleted numbers have worked tirelessly on behalf of MSRRF their efforts are much valued by us all. **Paul Atkinson Chairman** 1 ## OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES ## **Purpose of the Charity** MS Research and Relief Fund (MSRRF) is a UK registered charity established in 1964 to provide a range of services to people whose lives have been affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). ## **Our Vision** To actively involve all people in improving the quality of life of people affected by Multiple Sclerosis. ## **Our Mission** Working with Service Users to make the best possible use of funds entrusted to us towards improving the quality of life of people affected by Multiple Sclerosis, and by researching potential advancements in our knowledge and treatment of the condition. ## **Our Values** Good and responsible stewardship. Transparency across the board. Participation across the board. Treating everyone equally as individuals. Honesty. Mutual trust. ## **Charity History** Robert Walker founded Multiple Sclerosis Research and Relief Fund in 1964. Its work principally involved funding research into MS and providing specialist equipment for people with MS. In 2005 MS Master Centres, “a sister charity”, was “wound up” and its assets, services and responsibilities were transferred to MSRRF. In addition, the Charity’s grant service, which awards financial assistance to help people affected by MS to pay for services and equipment they require due to MS, was also expanded, and continues to this day. In September 2006, in consultation with Service Users, MSRRF’s Development Plan was created. The aim of the Development Plan was to increase Complementary Therapy and Fitness provision at Benmar House, Morpeth and to identify other outreach venues which may enable the Charity to provide similar services for people with MS throughout the North East of England. During financial year 2016/17, following an evaluation of services and a staff review, work began on a Service Development and Fundraising Plan. Trustees identified the need for a reliable and sustainable income stream to maintain MSRRF’s existing service provision as well as ensure the Charity’s continued growth. MSRRF purchased South Side House in July 2017, work has progressed on gaining planning permission for a Physiotherapy Centre, with the redevelopment commencing in October 2019. During this financial year MSRRF were able to restart another of our outreach services, Leadgate Community Centre. 3 ## **Reference and Administrative Details** |**Charity name**|**The Multiple Sclerosis Research and Relief Fund**| |---|---| |**Registered charity number**|228634| |**Head office address**|The Multiple Sclerosis Research and Relief Fund
Benmar House
Choppington Road
Morpeth
Northumberland
NE61 2HX| |**Contact details**|Telephone
01670 505 829
Fax:
0191 247 5816
Web:
www.msrrf.org.uk
E-mail:
info@msrrf.org.uk| |**Trustees**|Paul Atkinson, Chairman
Margaret Sharp
Kevin Carr
Margery Tate
Barbara Ellis
Peter Dawson| |**Patrons**|Dr Martin Duddy
Dr Joe Guadagno
Mr John Pryce Jones
Mrs Anne Wafula Strike MBE
Mrs Marjorie Walker
Mr Derek Wright| ## **MSRRF Staff, Benmar House** ||| |---|---| |**Employed Staff**|Blythe, Gillian
Appointments Coordinator
Charlton, Diane
Charity Manager
Davidson, Deborah
P/T
Fitness and Therapist Team Lead
Dunn, Amy
Assistant Manager| |**Staff changes**|Clark, Tania
P/T
Service Development Officer resigned 31/07/22
Reed, John
P/T Caretaker Retired 21/04/23| |**Self-employed Staff**|Barker, Jonathan Fitness Instructor
Dickinson, Margaret
Therapist
Howe, Michelle
Therapist
King, Beryl
Therapist, Stress Management Instructor
Lucy, Paula Therapist and Fitness Instructor
McGorrell, Lee
Therapist and Fitness Instructor
Philipson, Carol
Therapist
Ross-Knight, Joanna
Therapist and Fitness Instructor
Taylor, Christine
Therapist
Twaites, Hayley
Therapist
Hastings, Sophie
Fitness Instructor
Unwin, Sarah
Fitness Instructor
Urwin, Sue Fitness Instructor
Wallace, Stephanie Fitness Instructor| |**Volunteers**|Dowson, Sue
Patron Liaison Officer
Marshall, John
Therapist| |**Contracted Staff**|Davidson, John
Red Hill – IT Consultant| 5 ## **Outreach Staff** ## **Belmont Parish Hall** |**Belmont Parish Hall**|| |---|---| |**Self-employed Staff**|Wood, Elaine
Fitness Instructor| |**Leadgate Community Centre**|| |**Self-employed Staff**|Unwin, Sarah
Fitness Instructor| |**Charles Young Centre**|| |**Facilitator**|Farham, Dave
Volunteer (Ex staff member)| ## **Self-employed resignations** We thank all the Self-Employed staff who have worked for the Charity this year and we have no resignation during this financial year to report. ## SERVICE PROVISION REVIEW ## **2022/2023 Service Provision** MS Research and Relief Fund, following the pandemic adopted a ‘walk before you run’ attitude to extending and enhancing its service provision throughout this financial year. We introduced new classes, such as circuit fitness, mat-based yoga, pilates, chair based yogalates, seated dance, relaxation and continued to provide seated exercise classes, albeit we kept the classes size small. Going forward MSRRF are looking at providing a fall prevention course and we are delighted that fitness instructor, Sophie Hastings will be able to facilitate this on our behalf. - _“An amazing atmosphere, I always walk_ **----- Start of picture text -----**
out with a smile on my face’’
**----- End of picture text -----**
- _“Coming to MSRRF has helped with my mental health as well as my physical health’._ ## APPOINTMENTS ATTENDED ## **2022-2023** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Exercise
Therapies Gym Total
Classes
2504 1940 1032 5476
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Outreach and Partnership Services** MS Research and Relief Fund have continued to provide and develop our outreach services at Belmont Parish Hall, Durham and The Charles Young Centre, South Sheilds. We are also exited to report that we have been able to secure the services of a fully qualified personal trainer who is also willing to facilitate and promote the entire service at Leadgate Community Centre in County Durham. Going forward, our Fitness and Therapy Team Lead is in discussions with Walkergate Park Hospital, and we hope to resume services at the hospital in the next financial year, in the meantime we are happy to report that the MS Nurse continues to run a clinic for people with MS in Northumberland at Benmar House in Morpeth on the third Friday of each month. ## **Group Service Provision** MS Research and Relief Fund have continued to offer established groups the opportunity to access fitness and therapy services over the space of a morning or afternoon. MS Active, an established group from Easington successfully piloted these services and have continued to access the provision through outside grant funding to cover transport costs. People with MS are able to access free services in a cost effective and inclusive way. 9 ## SERVICE DEVELOPMENT ## **South Side House Update** The first quarter of the new year and at last after some winter disruption in the very old parts of the house, our builders were able to finally level the whole of the downstairs areas. Which enabled us to push on with the project and secure the services of both a decorating and flooring company. ‘All hands-on deck’ and we enlisted the help of Trustee, Margaret Sharp, to obtain quotes for blinds throughout the entire centre. Meanwhile arrangements were being made for the installation of the Alter G, to be delivered and built on site at the beginning of the new financial year. Externally, the weather at last was kind to us and the construction and ground works contractors were able to excavate and complete our extensive car parking area in a matter of weeks. Going forward, are expectations are that staff recruitment and training will have taken place by summer 2023 and our Physiotherapy Centre will be open to people with MS. ## VOLUNTEERS AND FRIENDS OF MSRRF MSRRF has a number of volunteers and friends who have worked with the Charity for several years, we appreciate all that they do and the impact their work has on the Charity, further details are provided below. - **John Marshall** has been volunteering for over 15 years and provides therapies to service users every Tuesday at Benmar House - **Susan Dowson** continues to be our liaison with the Charity’s Patrons - **Julie Office** continues to volunteer to help at MSRRF’s Annual Golf Day - Thank you to all the self-employed staff and Trustees who volunteered their time to help support our fundraising events and efforts. ## **Corporate Involvement** The Bazaar Group have continued to support our annual golf day fundraising event. Staffing issues at MSRRF have prevented us from being able to facilitate our new volunteering arrangement with this wonderful company. We were honored to be invited to the ‘The Big Bazaar Bash.’ An event to celebrate the growth of this forward-thinking company. We are hoping that once we have recruited new staff members, we are able to engage further with Bazaar and take up their generous offer of voluntary work. ## **Corporate and Community Friends of the Charity** - **Bazaar Group** , corporate donor - **Printed.com** for printing of promotional and fundraising materials at either no cost or a reduced rate to MSRRF 11 ## GRANT REPORT 2022/23 ## **Individual Grant Applications** In financial year April 1[st] 2022 - March 31[st] 2023, the Charity received 42 grant applications. MSRRF can offer ‘top up’ grants for aids and adaptations, equipment, and respite care to people affected by MS throughout the United Kingdom, helping people from Penzance to John O'Groats. _“You have changed my life and given me my independence back. Without your help I would still be stuck in my house. I have my freedom back. I can’t thank you enough.’_ The following table provides the amounts of financial assistance allocated for each of the three funding categories. |**Grants**|| |---|---| |**Aids & adaptations**|£23,264.00| |**Respite**|£ 1100.00| |**Other**|£ 181.00| |**TOTAL**|**£24,545.00**| Of the 42 grant applications received, 2 were declined as they did not meet our grants criteria, and 8 applications were withdrawn by applicants. At the end of this financial year, 2 applications had not been finalised, but had been awarded with a total of £960.00 being accrued into the financial year 2022/23. MS Research and Relief Fund is currently looking at ways to improve its grant giving service nationally. Unfortunately, The MS Society paused its national grants programme in 2020 after their income was impacted by the pandemic. They have since made the decision to close the grants programme permanently for financial reasons, which subsequently impacted the amount of top up grants MS Research and Relief Fund has been able to offer during this financial year. MSRRF will continue to work with like minded Charities and organisations to support people with MS whenever its limited funds allow. ## GRANT AWARDS ## **2022-2023** |**Grants**|| |---|---| |**Aids & adaptations**|30| |**Respite**|5| |**Other**|7| |**TOTAL**|**42**| _‘Many thanks for your generous help towards funding my recent respite stay at Leuchie House, East Lothian. It was most enjoyable and beneficial, and I hope to return’_ _-_ Grant recipient pictured on the right. _I can’t thank you enough for helping me gain my independence back. I was so isolated and lonely, but now I can go and visit friends on my scooter._ 13 ## FUNDRAISING REPORT 2022/23 Over the past year, MSRRF have continued to benefit enormously from direct donations to the Charity, we would like to thank **Bazaar Group** , a soft furnishings company based in Cramlington, Northumberland, who have continued their corporate relationship with MSRRF with a monthly Direct Debit donation. We would like to thank the amazing people at Printed.com, for their continued support with our marketing materials. MSRRF has again benefitted greatly from subscribing to the online fundraising platforms such as JustGiving and the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). ## **JustGiving** Just Giving continues to be the Charities most successful online giving platform, during the financial year 2022 – 2023, £16,282.12 was donated. Much of the money donated through JustGiving was via fundraising pages set up by fundraisers either for events they were undertaking or in memory of a loved one with the remaining money donated directly to MSRRF, some of which has been set up as monthly donations. ## **CAF** The Charities Aid foundation are a leading charity and bank who seek to connect organisations, institutions and individuals working to ensure hundreds of millions of pounds each year move across sectors and borders and arrive safely with charities. During the last financial year MSRRF received **£536.00** through CAF. ## **Charties Trust** During the financial year 2022 – 2023, **£128.70** was received from Charities Trust, a leading donations management organisation committed to growing charitable giving. ## **Benevity** During the financial year 2022 – 2023, **£79.87** was received from Benevity, a software company that powers corporate giving, volunteering, and grant-making solutions for hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies from around the globe. ## **Memory Giving** It has become common to donate to charity in memory of a loved one at the time of the funeral. Memory Giving aims to make the process appropriate, safe and secure for donors whilst supporting the family’s chosen funeral director to coordinate the donations. During this financial year, **£51.75** has been received from Memory Giving. ## **AmazonSmile** AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for people to support a charity every time they shop at Amazon, at no cost to them. When people shop at AmazonSmile, they find the exact same prices, selection and shopping experience as amazon.co.uk, with the added bonus that AmazonSmile donates a portion of the purchase price to their selected charity. Unfortunately, in February 2023 Amazon made the decision to wind down this funding stream to focus on other ways to help the community. To help charities that have been a part of the AmazonSmile program with this transition, Amazon will be providing them with a one-time donation equivalent to three months of what they earned in 2022 through the program. During this financial year MSRRF has received **£798.23** from donations through AmazonSmile. ## **PayPal Giving** PayPal Giving Fund helps people support their favourite charities online and helps charities raise funds through PayPal, Facebook, eBay, Thrift+ and other online platforms. During this financial year MSRRF has received **£134.28** of donations through the PayPal Giving Fund. 15 ## **Much Loved** Similar to Memory giving, much loved is an online platform where people can leave a tribute to their loved ones while donating to the Charity of their choice. MSRRF started receiving donations via this platform during the year 2023/23 receiving **£47.88** ## **Easyfundraising** Easyfundraising UK is the UK’s biggest charity fundraising site. Easyfundraising turns everyday online shopping into donations for Charities, at no cost to the purchaser. The donation per purchase is generally between 0.5% and 10%. Some retailers - including insurance and broadband providers - will pay a flat fee which can be in the £100s. Using Easyfundraising means that we will have a steady stream of donations coming throughout the year. It’s an effortless way of raising funds consistently alongside all our other fundraising initiatives. MSRRF occasionally remind people of this method of raising funds through our social media platforms. To date we have 62 supporters of the Charity and have raised **£767.12** . ## **‘In Aid of’ Events** The Charity has been fortunate to have several supporters who have raised significant funding through in-aid-of events, a selection of these being highlighted below. **Andrew Ayre** After sadly having to pull out of the 2021 event at mile 90-mile mark with an injury, Andrew bravely took on the Montane Summer Spine Challenger raising **£1394.00** in aid of MSRRF. We are extremely grateful for Andrews continued support and commitment to the Charity. **Judith & Peter Dawsons Annual Cake Day** MS Research and Relief Fund are incredibly grateful again this year to the Dawson family for their hard work and fundraising effort which this year has raised **£680** for the Charity. **Alison Laidler** for her efforts in kindly hosting a coffee morning at Bamburgh Golf Club raising **£486.50** Thank you so much for supporting MSRRF ## **MSRRF Events** - **MSRRF Golf Day** 2022 saw our Annual Charity golf day being held at Arcot Hall, Cramlington for the seventh consecutive year, the event raised a profit of **£1,750.00** for the Charity. ## **Sponsored Events** Once again, the Charity benefitted enormously from all who took part on our behalf in the Great North Run. Shown below are some images of our fantastic runners who raised an incredible amount. Information regarding some of the sponsored events where people raised money for MSRRF are shown below: - MSRRF had 11 runners in the event, who raised over **£12,500.00.** - The London Marathon took place in October 2022 MSRRF was able to secure a Charity space and due to demand for the opportunity to run in this iconic race, MSRRF organised a names in the hat draw. Sean Bloomfield was the lucky runner raising a substantial amount. 17 ## **Memorial Trust Donations** Our grateful thanks to ## **Kenneth Barge Memorial Trust** ## **Nora Milburn Memorial Trust** ## **Special Thanks** To the family and friends who donated in memory of loved ones, the Charity would like to offer our sincere condolences and gratitude at such a sad time. - **Lesley Stewart** regularly gives MSRRF the profits from her hand made card sales, raising **£420** - **Sybil and Alan Rayson,** who have donated large hampers and have raised over **£500** - **Barbara and Eleanor,** who regularly donate money from items sold in their shop ‘Bob and Barbaras’ this year they raised **£674** To everyone who continued to send the Charity a regular gift via direct debit or standing order in addition to those who also gave generously including Tritlington Young Farmers donation of **£3500** - Mr & Mrs J Davison’s donation of **£200** - Mr Cook from Rothbury, for his donation of **£500** - Mr P Forbes donation of **£100** - A M Thompson donation of **£100** - A Robertson donation of **£200** ## **Incoming Grants** Our grateful thanks to; - **Joseph Strong Frazer Trust** donated **£1,000** towards general running costs. ## LEGACIES ## **2023** MS Research and Relief Fund will continue to have a positive impact on the lives of people affected by MS due to the generosity of all benefactors who have willed legacies or made donations during this financial year. MS Research and Relief Fund has received a total of **£884,334.50** and will continue to provide support and improve the quality of life of people with multiple sclerosis. ## **RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES** MSRRF continues to research the benefits of its service provision on people with MS and their caregivers. The new physiotherapy centre will enhance the Charities research opportunities and is in keeping with the outcomes of past partnership research findings. MSRRF continue to be extremely interested in supporting research opportunities when its limited funds allow. 19 ## FINANCE **Income & Expenditure 2022/2023** **INCOME EXPENDITURE** ## FINANCIAL REVIEW 2022/23 ## Financial Review During the year ended 31st March 2023 the net assets of the Multiple Sclerosis Research and Relief Fund increased by £322,642 from £2,990,377 to £3,313,019. The company had an increase of net incoming resources of £419,857 and a decrease in gains on investments of £97,215. The Balance Sheet of 31st March 2023 continues to show a robust position with net current assets of £614,531. **Diane Charlton Charity Manager** 21 More information on MSRRF, our services and news of what’s going can be found on our website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages at: Website: www.msrrf.org.uk Facebook: @MSResearchandReliefFund Instagram: msrrfcharity Twitter: @MSRRFcharity ## MS Research and Relief Fund A company registered as The Multiple Sclerosis Research and Relief Fund in England, No. 795584 Registered Office, Benmar House, Choppington Road, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 2HX A Registered Charity, No. 228634 VAT Registration No. 733 9173 23