Registered charity number: 284582 Report of the trustees and financial statements forthe year ended 31 March 2025 The Skin Cancer Research Fund (SCaRF)
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Trustees report 31 March 2025 Reference and administrative details Charity name: The Skin Cancer Research Fund ISCaRFI Charity registration number: 284582 Registered office address: SCaRF Office Pines and Steps Building Southmead Hospital Bristol BS105NB Patrons: The Lord Mayor of Bristol Mr B E Hockin MBE Trustees: Dr H Audrain Dr K Finucane Mr D Fuidge Mrs L Knowles SRN Mr B McGinn IChair/Treasurerl Mrj Pleat MrA Wilkinson Mrs Amanda McAusland Medical advisors: Dr Adam Bray Dermatologist Mr Sankhya Sen Consultant Plastic Surgeon Scientific Advisors: Dr Yi Feng. Reader. The WellcomeTrust Sir Henry Dale Fellow, Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh Dr CharankumalThandi, Consultant Dermatologist, Southmead Hospital. Charity Contact details: Administrator: Mr S Hollyman Tel: 0117 4148755 Page11
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Trustees report 31 March 2025 Email: scarf nbt.nhs.uk Website: skinc8ncerresearch.org Bankers: Barclays Bank PLC, 14116 Queen Square, Bristol, BS99 7AJ Objectives and activities SCaRF aims to promote research into the Gauses. prevention, and treatment of skin cancer generally. and malignant melanoma, in p8rticular. It aims to publish the results of such research and thus to help significantly cut the number of new cases of skin cancer each year in the UK. As a result, a secondary target is to reduce signif icantly the number of deaths from the disease. A simultaneous aim is to assist in raising awareness of skin cancer through educational programmes. Public benefit at the heart of our charity Skin cancer is a very common form of cancer and worryingfor all those affected by it. includingtheirfriends and family. Forthe unfortunate few who have the most serious and life-threatening form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, the effects can be devastating physically, psychologically, and financially. Since its formation, SCaRF has worked towards the objective of reducingthe number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma, and reducing the number of deaths from the disease. Although we are a longwayfrom finding a cure for all forms of skin GanGer, new treatments are now becoming available for some forms of life-threatening malignant melanoma. They are helping people live longer with the disease. SCaRF has materially contributed to the development of new therapeutic approaches by. for example, funding research projects have which have established the response of melanoma cells to novel drugs. The trustees confirm that they have considered the guidance of the Charity Commission and conf irm the public benefit of the charity's work. Our work on this f ront is evidenced by the regular positive feedback we have from patients and their families. Moreover, as a reflection of the importance of the f unded project streams, after initial seed f unding. many have subsequently achieved recognition in the form of much larger grants administered by national bodies. A'pump priming, approach to basic research has yielded signif icant returns in relation to early discoveries about skin cancer. In summary, the trustees believe that the potential humanitarian, public benef it of our research strategy is a testament to our commitment the underlying precepts of improving the outcome for patients afflicted by skin cancer in all its forms. Page12
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Trustees report 31 March 2025 Achievements and performance Research The new policy for research grant consideration came into force on the 1 st of April 2017 with award of research grants considered twice a year with closing date for receipt of applications being 30th March and 30th September. The funding round in the period attracted three interesting applications which were then sent out to our scientific advisors for blinded review and comment. The trustees are primarily looking at the potential of 'pump-priming' projects so that the applicant can produce provisional. ground-breaking data to support a later, more substantial application to some of the larger medical research Gharities. It is hoped that SCaRF-f unded research can lead to rapid clinic81translation to improve the treatment and outcome for me18noma and other forms of skin cancer. The successf ul applications were: Dr Antony N Antoniou- Development of personalised peptide based melanoma vaccines. £18,850. This project, based at The University of Northumbria in Newcastle is being guided by ProfessorAntonyAntoniou, a renowned cell biologist. The work is focusing on the proteins produced by melanoma cell lines. It is using a gene-editing approach to place short f ragments of human melanoma proteins Ipeptidesl into a specif ic cell line. The latter are then mixed with T-cells of the immune system which specifically identify and help to destroy cells which appear abnormal or have not been encountered before. These scenarios may occur as cells become malignant I'mutate'l. Over a year. the work aims to provide proof-of-principle that this specific approach to introducing melanoma peptides into the body- in the form of molecules within vaccines- can help to prime the immune system. It may provide a new therapeutic approach to melanoma skin cancer. SCaRF are pump-primingthis workwhich has enormous potential translational benefits to melanoma patients. Dr Sylvain Ladame- pH responsive patches for improving diagnosis of skin cancer lesions in primary c8re - £20.000 Dr Ladame and Professor Jessica Strid's team at Imperial College London are investigating whether it is possible to speed up the diagnosis of types of ski n cancer by analysing the acidlbase level IpHI of the fluid that surrounds cells. It is known that the metabolism of skin cancer cells can use up energy and produces acid, particularly when a cancer is dividi ng rapidly. The pH surrounding the cancer cells can change. This Page13
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Trustees report 31 March 2025 group is assessingwhetherthe extent of the pH change and its duration is easy to monitor and signif icantly different from normal cells for it to be used as a diagnostic markerof pre-cancerous or indeed. cancerous change. In tandem,thegroup are developing sensitive and reliable means of monitoring pH that can be used at the bedside to assess quickly and reliably whether a new ski n lesion is indeed m81ignant and whether the patient should be referred onwards forthe gold standard in diagnosis, a diagnostic biopsy. If the year-long study finds favourable results, this project stream h as the potential to produce a paradigm shift in diagnosis and early treatment for patients with skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma ISCCI. Dr Mohammed Ahmed- Characterisation of ELF5 and its Role in the Initiation 8nd Development of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas." £9,998.16 This project is led by Dr Mohammed Ahmed, Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biosciences at Nottingham Trent University. It is investigating whether two sets of molecules, expressed within the squamous cells in the top layer of the skin, have important roles in determining abnormal differentiation - in essenGe, normal Gells behaving in a pre- malignant and then subsequently onwards to 8n aggressive 8nd invasive malignant ch8racter. The molecules in question are being added to or removed from I'knock out'l keratinocyte cells and in response, DrAhmed's team are lookingfor an array of chemical markers which indicate malignant change. If successf ul, this work with clarify whether the two suspeGted moleGules could be prime targets forfuture treatments of SCC. The group hope to move on to some pre-clinical studies of effectiveness if their suspicions are probed correct. Again, this work has great translational potential to act against one of the commonest forms of non-pigmented skin cancer which still kills over 1000 people everyyear within the United Kingdom. Education and Awareness The trustees believe that educating young people on the importance of safety in the sun and skin cancer prevention. In recent years, several presentations to local sixth form students have been delivered by trustee clinicians. Unfortunately, during the COVI D-19 pandemic, such presentations were not possible to deliver and although restrictions relating to COVI D-19 were largely lifted in March 2022, our programme of rolling presentations has yet to recommence. During the comingyear the trustees will onsider options for restarting these presentations, as they considerthem an important element of delivering the objectives of the charity. Page14
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Trustees report 31 March 2025 Financial review Overview for 2024125 The charity delivered a def icit for the ye8r of £1,90712024'. 8 surplus of £24.9251 which decreased the accumulated fund to £546,06212024- £547,969}. Donations and legacy income forthe yearwas £33,09612023- £30,488). Legacies received in the year totalled £2,07312024: 25,4321 and other fund-raising channels also delivered £2,84012024: £7,235). LicenGe royalties received in the year totalled £nil 12024: £1,846). The trustees have invested time and money in developing alternative f und-raising and awareness channels through social media and traditional web approaches. Research projects were supported duringthe yearwith contributions of 231,54912024: £5,000). Governance and support expenditure for the year was £9,80112023: £12,074). Governance and support expense was 24.8Wo of total income12024- 28.70hl. Future developments Priorities forthe year 2025126 This yearwe are endeavouring to be more produGtive in our research and eduGational activities. The trustees are committed to raising the profile of the charity with regards to being a national source of fundingfor cutting-edge skin cancer research. To this end, we have commenced a media drive to advertise the nature of our workto potential ollaborators. Currently, this includes the targeting of regional and national multidisciplinary skin cancer teams within an NHS setting to encourage grant applications for projects which fall within our remit. It has been decided that to attract applications from a range of professionals with both clinical and laboratory-based projects, the nature of the grants will be more flexible in nature. For example. this may entail support for a signif icant, multi-year, lab-based project stream to investigate skin cancer pathology, or, in another form, small, hospital-based projects to identify components of clinical care that may benef it f rom optimisation. The trustees feel that this flexible and response approach best serves the multi-faceted requests of the applicants who approach us from both laboratory and clinical settings across the UK. Page15
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Trustees report 31 March 2025 We will continue to disseminate the findings of the research we support on social media channels including Facebook (Skin Cancer Research Fund- SCARF | Bristol | Facebook) and X. We will deliver an excellent service to our research grant applicants including a thorough and independent assessment of their project from our scientif ic advisory committee and even for unsuccessful proposals, constructive feedback about developing their ideas. Once a grant has been awarded, we work with our partner to ensure seamless distribution of f unds and where appropriate, giving a visible platform for exciting, early discoveries. We will maintain the new website so that it remains dynamic, engaging. To this end we are lookingto create a series of shortvideos to answer a diverse range of frequently asked questions in the spheres of skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Structure, governance and management Governance and Management The Charity is regulated byTrust Deed dated 16 February 1982 as varied by schemes of the Charity Commission of 13 May 1987. 8January1991, and 25 May 1995. Meetings of the f ull Board of trustees were held periodically throughout the year. The day-to-day business ofthe charity is carried out bythe SCaRF Administrator in accordance with Policy of the Charity Commission and Guidelines agreed bythe trustees. These guidelines are constantly under review to reflect external changes, including banking requirements and Charity Commissioners updates. The Chairman and Vice Chairman are elected for three years in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Guidelines 8greed bytrustees. The Hon Treasurer is appointed bythe trustees for a period of three years. The current Chairman was appointed during 2025. The Hon. Treasurer post is appointed bythe trustees, for a maximum period of 3 years. We are actively seeking a new appointment to this position, and the Chairman is Govering the post pro tem. Recruitment. appointment and induction of new trustees Selection and appointment of trustees is by invitation of the existing trustees to individuals known to have an interest in and or technical knowledge appropriate to satisfying the aims and objectives of the Charity and for whom they may have talents and 8reas of expertise under-represented amongst the other trustees. If the invited candidate is willing to become a trustee, their appointment is then ratif led at the next Page16
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Trustees report 31 March 2025 regulartrustees, meeting. On appointment, new trustees are given background inform8tion and a history of the Charity Commission publications about the responsibilities of trustees and background to topics currently under consideration. Whilst no formal training exists, on the job involvement in the day-to-day affairs of SCaRF ensure that new trustees are quickly assimilated intothe work of the ch8rity. The appointment and induction of newtrustees has occurred infrequently because we have been lucky enough to retain our trustees for long periods and in the past, it has been a rather informal process. The following changes to trustees occurred during the period since the publication of the Last Trustee report: Name Date of appointmentlretirement Mrs A MoAusland Appointed on 25" February 2025 Currently there are seven trustees appointed. and the Constitution of the Trust requires there to be a maximum of eleven and a minimum of five trustees in post. Risk management The trustees have 8 duty to identify and reviewthe risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against f raud and error. The trustees adopted a Policy of Risk Management in January 2007 which is reviewed annually. The last time this was carried out was in March 2022. Responsibility for the management of risk falls to the trustees collectively. H istorically the trustees, understandingthat all risks cannot be mitigated, have operated in such a way as to expose the charity to a negligible f inancial risk while balancing a reasonable return on investment and retaining financial flexibility. This facilitates a reasonable reserve of funding for projects at times of demand. The policy adopted bythe trustees continues with this philosophy. The policywas reviewed and confirmed in March 2016 with minor updating. Risk assessment of the SCaRF off ice working environment continues to be undertaken by North Bristol NHS Trust and is reviewed periodically. Any remedial actions required are undert8ken. The SC8RF Secretary8ttends MandatoryTraining sessions as required by North Bristol NHS Trust on subjects such as Health and Safety, Fire Safety, Waste Management. etc. Page17
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Trustees report 31 March 2025 Organisers of SCaRF events are responsible for conducting a risk assessment for individual events in accord8nce with the requirements of the charity's insurance company. SCaRF supporters participating in sponsored events organised by third parties are responsible for making sure that they and the organisers of the event have appropriate indemnity. All SCaRF documentation and web information is regularly reviewed to assure that it is contemporaneous, factually correct and complies with the precepts ofthe Information Commissioners. Reserves pollcy The nature of skin cancer research is inherently long-term and unpredictable in its outcomes. It requires financial supportthat can accommodate successive stages of 8 project strea m without imposing challenges on available capital. Flexibility is essential on the part ofthe grant-giving bodyto ensure researchers receive the full support needed to reach satisfactory conclusions. Given this, it is challenging to def ine financial reserves with absolute certainty- To address these complexities, SCaRF has committed to reassessing its reserves policy annually. This reassessment will ensure that the policy reflects the most recent experience in terms of income levels and the demand for investment in research. For the purposes of this policy, 'reserves" are def ined as all funds committed to ongoing projects or ad ministrative overheads. Minimum reserves The minimum level of reserves will be set 8t the sum of all grants already promised or committed. plus two years, administrative costs. Based on currentfigures. this amounts to £53.000. This ensures that the charity can continue its core operations and fulf il its obligations even in the event of unforeseen financial pressures. The trustees have recognised the importance of aligning the charity's reserves policy with its long-term mission and financial sustainability. A draft reserves policy has been prepared to reflect these priorities, proposing reserves levels that safeguard existing commitments, account for income fluctuations, and support ongoing research programs without f inancial disruption. The charity remains committed to ensuring financial prudencewhile optimisingthe use of funds forSCaRF's mission. Page18
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Trustees report 31 March 2025 Signed on behalf of Trustees: Chair: Ben McGinn Date: November 2025 Dep. Chair: Jonathon Pleat Date: November 2025 Page19
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Independent Examiner's Statement forthe year ended 31 March 2025 Independent examiner's report I report to the trustees on my examination of the f inancial statements of the above charity I"SCaRF"I for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report: As the charity's trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the f inancial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {"the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trusts f inancial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2022 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission Lbnder section 145151 of the Act. Independent examiner's statement: I have completed myexamination. l Gonfirm that no material matters have Gome to my attention in connection with the examination lother than that disclosed below ') which gives me cause to believe that in. any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act. or the f in8ncial statements did not accord with the aocounting records. or the f inancial statements did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than 8ny requirement that the financial statements give a 'true and fair,. view which is not a matter considered as partofan independentexamination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the f inancial statements to be reached. Signed: A R ?,.L.. 11 May 2026 Anthony Robin Dicker Date: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body: Chartered Accountant, Fellow member ofThe Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. IFCAI Page | 10
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Income and Expenditure Account forthe year ended 31 March 2025 2025 Total 2024 Total Unrestricted funds Notes Income Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investments 33.096 2,840 3.508 33,096 2,840 3,508 30,488 9,838 1,673 Total income 39,444 39,444 41,999 Expenditure Charitable activities Other 131,5491 19.8011 131,5491 19,8011 {5,0001 112,074} Total expenditure 141,3511 141,3511 117,074} Net incomel(expenditure) 11.9071 11,9071 24,925 Net movement in funds Totalfunds brought forward 11.9071 547,969 11,9071 547.969 24,925 523,044 Totalfunds carried forward 546,062 546.062 547,969 Page111
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Balance sheet 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Notes Current assets Bank interest receivable Cash at bank and in hand 1,063 550,171 551,037 Total current assets 551.234 551,037 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade Creditors 551,0(E1721_ F28 Net current assetsllliabilitiesl 546,062 547,969 Total assets less current liabilities 546.062 547,969 Total net assets 546.062 547,969 Represented bythe funds of the charity Unrestricted funds 546.062 547,969 Total charity funds 546,062 547,969 Signed on behalf of Trustees: Chair: Ben McGinn Date: November 2025 Dep. Chair: Jonathon Pleat Date: November 2025 Page | 12
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 1. Accounting policies Basis of financial statements These financial statements are prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, including FRS 102 the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to charities in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, as set out in the Statement of Recommended Practice {SORPI agreed between all United Kingdom Charity Commissions and the Chartered Institute of Public Fin8nce and Accounting. The SORP provides that for charities with gross income less than £250,000. financial statements are prepared on a receipts and payments basis, and that is the basis on which these financial statements are prepared The f inancial statements comply with applicable laws and give a true and fair view. Recognition of income Income is recognised when received. Recognition of liabilities and expenditure General Liabilities are recognised where it is probable that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charityto pay out resources and the amount ofthe obligation can be measured reliably. Governance and support costs Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regu lation and good practice Support costs include centr81 functions and have been alloc8ted to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, e.g. allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs bythe time spent and other costs by their usage. The notes form part of these financial statements Page | 13
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Grants pay8ble Where a grant is given with conditions for its payment bei ng a specif ic level of service or outputto be provided, such grants 8re only recognised once the recipient of the grant has provided the specif led service or output Where there are no conditions attaching to the grant that enables the charity to avoid the commitment, the funding liability is recognised in full. Funds accounting Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted f unds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specif led by the donor orwhen funds are raised for, closely defined purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the f inancial statements. 2. Investment income Yearto 31 March 2025 Year to 31 March 2024 Bank interest received and receivable 3,508 1,673 Total investment income 3.508 1,673 3. Expenditure Yearto 31 March 2025 Year to 31 March 2024 Grant f unding of research Governance and support costs Independent examiner's fees 31,549 8,841 960 5,000 11,114 960 Total expenditure 41,351 17,074 The notes form part of these financial statements Page | 14
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Yearto 31 March 2025 Year to 31 March 2024 Grant funding of research expenditure by beneficiary Hever Ladame Hurlstone Matin 31,549 5,000 Totaigrant funding of research 31,549 5.000 4. Trustee remuneration and benefits Trustee remuneratlon There were no trustee remuneration or other benefits forthe year ended 31 March 2025, norfor the year ended 31 March 2024. Trustee expenses There were no trustee expenses paid for the ye8r ended 31 M8rch 2025. nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. 5. Staff costs Yearto 31 March 2025 Year to 31 March 2024 Wages and salaries 8,424 8,426 The average monthly number of employees duringthe year was as follows: Administration The notes form part of these financial statements Page | 15
The Skin Cancer Research Fund Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 6. Movement in funds 1 April 2024 Net Movement 31 March 2025 Unrestricted funds Generalfund 547,969 11,9071 546.062 Comparative movement in funds 1 April 2023 Net Movement 31 March 2024 Unrestricted funds Generalfund 523,044 24,925 547,969 The notes form part of these financial statements Page | 16
nable Issuer Tony Dicker Ltd Document generated Mon, 11th May 2026 10.'34'.14 BST Document fingerprint db04f60cca2816d4f2f60d13fd304624 Partles Involved wlth thls document Document processed Party + Flngerprlnt Mon, 11th May 2026 10'.35.'37 BST Tony Dicker- Signer177946fb4ed6cd06fdOe9af9371 d6c1251 Audit history log Date Actlon Mon, 11th May 2026 10.34.'14 BST Envelope generated with fingetprinl 30a7d975133acb2ca45dbd61 ba75e230135.176.231.1771 Mon, 11th May 2026 10:34.'14 BST Document generated with fingerprint db04f60cca2816d4f2f60d13fd304624. 135.176.231.177) Tony Dicker has been assigned to this envelope.135. 176.231.1771 Mon, 11th May 2026 10:34.'14 BST Mon, 11th May 2026 10'.34.'22 BST Mon, 11th May 2026 10.'34..22 BST Envelope generated Sent the envelope to Tony Dicker for signing Mon, 11th May 2026 10.34.'25 BST Document emailed lo party email Mon, 11th May 2026 10.34.55 BST Tony Dicker viewed the envelope192.233.117.2401 Mon, 11th May 2026 10.35.'37 BST Tony Dicker signed the envelope192.233.117.2401 Mon, 11th May 2026 10'.35.'37 BST This envelope has been signed by all parties192.233.117.2401 Mon, 11th May 2026 10.35.'38 BST Signed document confirmation emailed to party email192.233.117.2401 Mon, 11th May 2026 10'.35.'38 BST Signed document confirmation emails have been sent to all parties. Document URL.. https'.Ilapi.signable.applshareablelenvelope?1-60029a4c-Offb4e88-91a9-5 c7930afb2d5192.233. 117.2401