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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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

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