Ch3rlty registration numb r 102447 LITTLE HEROES TRusfEES' REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Uttle Hero•J Contents Page fe rativ enden ner Statemeni f noal Actlviti Statem ia Position 9-13 Notes to the Finan I State
Util• H•roe• R•ference and Admlnlstrjllve Detallg For Tfrio Year Ended 31 December 2024 Mr. Ivan Martin Dr. ma Reld Mrs. Jennifer McKlnstry Mr5. Barbara Reld Susan Baker Dr. Sharon hrlstle Dr. Paul Jackson PrDfessor Mlchael Shlelds Mrs. Barbara Moneypenny Mrs. Hester Jad<son Dr. Alastair Reid r. Claran Bradley Charlty Number Prlndpal Addresg 102447 Royal Belfast Hospital For Sick Chlldren 180 Falls Road Belfast Antrim BT12 6BE Independent Examlner Tony Clake Clarkc&Co. Accountant's 53 Andersonstown Road Belfast Antrim BTI 19AG Sollcltors Elliott Duffy Royston House 34 Upper Queens Street Belfast BTI 6FD arrett
Little Heroes Trustees, Report For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 Trie trustees present thelr report and the flnanaal statements for the year nded 31 December 2024. Objectlves and Actlvltleg Alms and Objectlves The stated aims and objectlves of the cha tyare- O Provlsion of equlpment and the malntenance of the estate at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Slck O Furthering Educatlon & Research Into the dlagnosls and treatment of chlldhood Illness O Provlslon of associated health services not available on the NHS (as d1cted by cliniclans) O Champlonlng wellbelng Inltlatlves for the Paedlatrlc team at the Royal Belfast Hospltal for Slck Children o Supporting slck chlldren as well as thelr parents, slbllngs, and those who love and care for them ren Llttle Heroes has assisted in the continued provision of new medical equlpment and provlslon of Items to enhance and lrnprove the patient and parental experience. The charity Is also committed to continuing to asslst In the provlsion of much needed equlpment In varlous departments. ty will contlnue to support or fund staff to attend courses to enhance thelr ablllty to Improve the care of patlents and the The cha famllles. Publlc Beneflt Uttle Heroes Is an Independent Charlty whlch operates through a board of trustees and fundrdlses excluslvely for -The Chlldren's Hospital. Tncreasing pressures on the Natlonal Health Service make It essentlal to find additlonal sources of revenue to provide equipm ent, fund Innovatlve research and ongolng education for our paedlatrlc cllnlclans and support the Immedlate needs of chlldren and thelr parents and Cars. At Uttle Heroes, our work Is gulded by a commltment to mprov ng the experlence of local slck chlldren and famllles who a cared for at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, as well as enhandng the wellbelng of the staff who dedicate themselves to their care. Our actlvities are deslgned to deliver a clear and measurable public benefit by: Enhanclng hospltal envlronments to create brlghter, more comfortlng spaces for thlldren rece vlng treatrnent Providing essentlal Items, support and resources that help paediatricians to dlagnose and care for our slck children and ea se the burden on famllles durlng challenglng tlmes. Dellvering wellbeing Initsatives that nurture and sustain the Paedlatr c team recognising the vital role they play In carlng for sl children. Engaglng the wlder communlty through fundralslng events and partnershlps that foster a splrlt of compass on and collective support. These Inltlatlves ensure that every actlon we lake contrlbutes d rectly to Improvlng care, comfort, and wellbe ng at the Royal Belfast Hospltal for Sick Chlldren. We remain fully aligned wlth the principles of publlc benefit as outlined by the Charlty Commission for Northern Ireland, ensurlng our resources and efforts are dedicated to maklng a meanlngful dlfference to children, famllies, a nd healthcare professionals across Northern Ireland. As the only charity dedlcated to supportAng the entlre Royal Belfast H05Pltal for Slck Chlldren whlch Is Northern Ireland's sole specialist paedotric hospital. Our work directly touches the lives of thousands of children every year, from every community and county across Northern Ireland. Through our initiatlves, Little Heroes stngthenS the capacity of the hospital to deliver world-dass care and CateS a more compasslonate, chlld-centred envlronment for all who pass through Its doors. Every project we dellver Is developed in close partnershlp wlth cllnlclans and hospltsl leadershlp to ensure that fundlng and resources addsS the most Immediate and impactful needs. Our commltment Is clear: to create a brighter, more hopeful future for slck chlldren In Northern Ireland. By supportlng Llttl e Heroes. donors can be confident that their generosity will directly improve outcomes, enhance care, and help sustain a vital institution that slts at the heart of paedlatrlc healthcare for slck children from throughout Northern Ireland. The trustees con Irm that they have complled with the requlrements of Sertion 17 of the Charitles Art 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commisslon's guldance on publlc beneflt. Pa8c 2
Uttla Heroes Trugtees. Report (contlnued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 Achlevements and Performance Maln Achlev•ments 2024 was a year of slgniflcant change and strategic gmwlh for Little Heroes, during which the charity dellvcred over £334K I n vital servlces to the Royal Belfast Hospltal for Slck Chlldren. These contrlbutlons helped enhance patlent care and the hospital environment, Including the provision of a safe space bed. a substantial SOurce allocation for the Play Speclalist Team; support for the hospltal's Bercavement Servlce; coverlng the Iicence for the EOLAS medlcal app to Improve Internal communlc3tlon' and colourful mural decorations In the ENT department to create a rn0 child~friendly space. The chanty also enabled staff to attend essential medical and spedalist tralnlng and supplied specialist equlpment to support dlagnosls and treatment, such as tvdo S Imeox alrway dearance devlces and two hlgh-frequency chest wall osdllators. Together, these Inluatlves made a meanlngful dlfference to the care and experaence of local Slck chIldn and their families. Conslderable progress was also made to Secure the long-terrn future of the c anry, and to elevate our proflle and Impart across Northern Ireland. This work, supported by the Trustees and Management Involved a range of foundational artlvitles Indudfjng: Lead•rshlp Transltlon Durlng the year, the charity saw the retlrement of our longstandlng Charlty Managcr and undertook a comprehens process to appoint a new Chlef Executive Offlcer. The appointment of our new CEO marked Lhe beglnning of a refreshed leadership era, wlth renewed energy and focus on growth, governance, and stakeholder engagement. ve recrultment Rebrand & Relaunch In November 2024, the charlty fornially relaunched under the new name Uttle Heroes, repladng the former name (Helping Hand ) to better reflect our mlsslon of celebrating the resilience and cournge of children cared for at th Royal Belfast Hospltsl for Slck Children. The rebrand Included a launch event held on 2 1 November at St Mary's Unlverslty College, Belfast, attended by parents. hosp ital staff, and supporters. A new website freshed commun cat ons strategy (Indudlng soclal-medla channels) and updated brand assets were Introduced to support Improved outreach, engagement, and fundralslng effectlveness. Infrastrurture & Systems Strengthenlng Recognising that a growth step-change would requlre robust foundations, the charity Invested In Internal Infrastructure dunng the transltlon perlod. These included: New IT systems for fund-accountin9, donor management, and reporting Implementatlon of upgraded processes and governance frameworks to ensure transparency, scalablllty, and regulatory compliance Tralnlng and capaclty-bulldlng of the team to embed new worklng practlces Because of the transltlon In leadershlp and the necessary Infrastructure work that was a pr ority n advance of the relau chanty's Incorne In the year was affected. Whlle fundralsing levels did not yet reflett the desired growth traJectOry• these foundational investments We deliberate and necessary to support sustainable future performance. ,the Fundralslng & Engagement Actlvlty Throughout all the internal changes within the charity durlng 2024, donatsons continued to be given to the charjty thank5 to the extraordinary generosity, creativlty, and commitrnent of Indlvlduals, famllles, and buslnesses auoss Northern Ireland and beyond. Whlle It Is Imposslble to name every supporter, the followlng are Just a few examples that Illustrate the Incredlble efforts made to support ttle Heroes (and Helping Hand) and the Royal Belfrast Hospital for Sick Chaidren: The patrons from the Devenlsh Complex contlnued thelr popular Bonus Ball competltlon, ralslng £3,750. The Royal Belfast Golf Club Lady Captains, Charity contributed £6,200, demonstrating the strength of local sports dub su partnership. Natssha Mann undertook a challenglng 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp, ralsing £1, 152 through her Insp rlng personal The Patton family's annual table quiz In memory of their daughter Olivla raised £2,082.63. Rlchle Kelleher. wlth Gemma and thelr son Brogan, organlsed a spectacular Drift event In the Tltanlc Quarter, ralslng £8.43 i car enthuslasts across Ireland. Katie MCGavy, supported by her family, contributed £4,100 through a series of dedicated fundrai&ng events. Swatragh Uvestock Market donated £1,433 through a speclal charlty auctlon. These examples represent just a fraction of the tireless efforts, creativity, and community spirit that made 2024 such a landmark year for fundraising. Each event, challenge, and donatlon, large or small, has played a vltal role In helping Little Heroes contlnue to support the children and families at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Slck Children. The collective generosity shown this year is testament to the extraordinary commltment of our supporters and the dIffence we can achleve together. Throughout 2024, ttle eroes engaged with the community, hospital staff, families, and supporters to ensure the chartty remalned vlsible and actlve desplte the Internal transltlon. For example: Through our"Community Fundraising" platform we encouraged schools, workplaces, and sports clubs to host coffee momlngs, runs, qulz nlghts and other grassroots actlvltles, emphaslslng that every effort contributes to our alms of state-of-the-art equipmenL comfort Items, and famlly support. Vde continued to engage dirertjy within the hospltal community to brtng moments of joy to children, parents, and slblings. These Induded supporting play-therapy, toys, bedslde TVS, and famlly comfort servlces, relnfordng our objective of supportlng chlldren and families beyond medical care. port and allenge rom ..CONTINUED Ptt8c 3
Uttle Heroes Trustees, Report (contlnued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 Maln Achlevements- contlnued Addltlonal Note Trustee Strategy & Future Outlook The Trustees reaffirnied their Intention to grow and develop the profile of ttle Heroes, wlth a specific aim to elevate future Income so that we can make a sustalnable contrlbution to the Royal Belfast Hospltal for Slck Children well (nto the future. Strateglc prlorltles now Include l. Building major-donor, corporate as well as philanthropic trust and foundation partnerships to complement communlty fundraislng 2. Leveraglng the rebrand and Improved communlcatlons to ralse awareness, donor engagement, and supporter acqulsltlon 3. Ensunng operational resilience through robust governance, effectlve systems, and measured performance tracking 4. Demonstrating Impact clearly and transparcntlv so that funders, stakeholders, and the public understand exattly how funds are used to beneflt ChIldn, famllles, and the paedlatrlc team Whlle 2024 has been a translt onal year. the nvestments made In Infrastructure, leader5hlp, brand, and systems posltlon Uttle Heroes fo accelerated growth In 2025 and beyond. Deslgnatlon of Reserrfes During the year, Ihe trustees designaled funds to support specific strategic Inltlatives aligned with the charity's objective s. These deslgnatlons reflett the trustees, commltment to ensurlng resources are allocated effectlvely to meet future needs and enhance long-term impart. The trustees agreed to deslgnate the following funds: £250K to represent six months of operating reserves, £450K to support the Royal Belfast Hospltal for Slck Chlldren's rellance on charltable funds to pay for a range of projects for a further penod of 2 years, and £350K In anticipation of requlrements to pay for a range of projects and Initlatlves Ilnked to the establishment of the new chlldren's hospltal. Summary In short, 2024 has been a year of transformation for Llttle Heroes. The combination of leadershlp change, re-brandlng, systems upgrades, and communlty engagement represents a delibcratc and strateglc reset. Our income for the year may not yet reflect the full potentlal of the charity, but that Is a dlrect Consequen of the transitlon phase. Wlth foundatlons now flrmly In place, the Trustees and team are confident that Llttle Heroes Is well placed to enter a new era, one in whlch we expand our reach, ampli fy our Impact, and ensure that every chlld treated at the Royal Belfast Hospltal for Slck Chlldren recelves the very best support, now and for the future. Looking Ahead Whlle 2024 repsented a perlod of transitlon, it also la d strong foundations for future success. The Trustees are now focused on: Growing Income sustainably through dlverse and strateglc fundralslng streams. Strengthening partnerships with local businesses, trusts, and foundatlons. Expandlng volunteer and ambassador networks to extend communlty reach. and Ensuring every pound raised delivers tanglble benefit to children, families, and staff within Northern Ireland's only speaalist chlldren's hospital. Uttle Heroes enters 2025 with renewed purpose, robust systems, and a clear vision - to ensure every child treated at the Royal Belfast Hospltal for Slck Children has access to the very best care, comfort, and support. Statement of Trustees, Responslbilltles The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the flnancial statements In accordance wlth appllcable law and In accordance with the Charitles Art (Northern Ireland) 2015. The law appllcable to charities In Northern Ireland requlres the trustees to prepare financial ststements for each finandal year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparlng the finanaal statements the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. make Judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will contlnue In buslness. The trustees a responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disdose with reasonable accuracy at anytime the finandal positlon of the charlty. They are also responslble for safeguardlng the assets of the charlty and hence for taklng reasonable steps for the prevention and detectson of fraud and other Irregularities. Page 4
Uttle Heroes Trustees, Report (contlnued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integnty of the corporate and flnanc al Information ncluded on the cha rity's website. Le legislatlon Islatlon In the United Klngdom governlng the preparatlon and dissemlnatlon of flnanclal statements may dlffer from other Jurisdlctlons. The trustees, report was approved by the board of trustees and slgned on Its behalf by: Dr. Paul Jackson Trustee 27 Ortober 2025 Puge 5
Uttle Heroes Independent Examlner's Report to the Trustees of Llttle Heroe9 ForThe Year Ended 31 December 2024 I report to the trustees on my examlnation of the accounts of ttle Heroes for the year ended 31 December 2024. Responslbllltles and Basls of Report As Ihe chanty trustees you are responséble for the preparation of the accounts In accordance wlth the requlrernents of Lhe Ch arities Act (Northern Iland) 2008. It Is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under settion 65 of the Charities Att follow the procedures laid down in the general Dirertions glven by the Commission under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act state whether partlcular matters have come to my attentlon. Independent Examlnerfs Statement I have examlned your charlty accounts as requlred under sectlon 65 of the Charlties Act and my examlnatlon was carrled out in accordance wlth the general Directlons given by the Charlty Commlsslon for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) af the Charlties Act. My examinatlon Included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a compa son of the accounts presented wlth those records. It was also Included consideratlon of any unusual items or disclosures In the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters. My role Is to state whether any materlal matters have come to my attentlon glvlng me cause to belleve: That accountlng records were not kept In accordance with sectlon 63 of the Charfitles Act the accounts do not accord with those records. or That the accounts do not comply wlth the accountlng requlrements of the Charltles Act That there Is further Informatlon needed for a pn)per understsndlng of the accounts to be reathed. I have completed my examlnatlon and have no concerns In respect of the matter5 (1) to (4) Ilsted above and, In connectlon wfth following the directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to you attention. Tony aarke 27 October 2025 53 Andersonstown Road Belfast Antnm BTI 19AG Pugc 6
Uttle Heroes Statement of Flnanclal Actlvltleg For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Unrestrlcted Unrestrlcted funds lunds Noteg INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacles Investments 174,584 1,912 236,497 2,405 238,902 76,496 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Charltable actlvlties. Establlshment Purchases Charitable Activity (71,833) (54,523) (54,690) (334,442) (6,932) (165,084) (226,539) 12,363 5,000 (460,965) NEf (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME BEFORE INVESTMENT (LOSSES)/GAINS Net gains on investments (284,469) 75,399 NFf (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME (209,070) 17,363 NEf MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 209,070) 17,363 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward 1,265,292 1,247,928 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 14 1,056,222 1,265,291 The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements. Page 7
Llttle Heroes Statement of Flnanclal Positlon As At 31 December 2024 2024 Unrestrlcted lunds 2023 Total fundg Notes FIXED ASSETS Tanglble Assets Investments 11 2,101 386,533 12 312,426 388,634 312,426 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand 668,788 954,142 668,788 954,142 (1,277 ) Creditors: Amounts Falllng Due Wlthln One Year 13 (1,200) NET CURRENT ASSEfs (UABILITIES) 667,588 952,865 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILrrIES 1,056,222 1,265,291 NEf ASSETS 1,056,222 1,265,291 FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Unrestrlcted Funds Designated Funds 6,222 1,050,000 1,265,291 TOTAL FUNDS 14 1,056,222 1,265,291 On behalf of the board Dr Paul Jackson Trustee 27 October 2025 The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these tlnanclal statements. Pnge 8
Uttle Heroes Noteg to the Flnanclal Statementg For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 l. General Inforniatlon ttle Heroes Is an unlncorporated charlty reglstered wlth the Charlty Commlsslon, reglstered charlty number 102447. The prlnclpal address Is Royal Belfast Hospit31 For Sick Children, 180 Falts Road, Belfast, Antrlm, BT12 6BE. 2. Accountlng Policles 2.1. Basls of Preparatlon of Flnanclal Statements The flnancial statements have been pPared in accordance with the Charltles SORP (FRS 102) "Accountlng and Reportlng by Charities: SLatement of Recommended Practice appllcable to charitles preparing thelr accounts in accordance with the Financlal Reportlng Standard appllcable In the UK and Republlc of Ireland (FRS 102) (effectlve l January 2019). Financlal Reporting Standard 102 Yhe Financial Reporting Standard applicable In the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities Act 2011. The charity Is a Public Beneflt Entity as deflned by FRS 102. 2.2. Incomlng Resources Income is recgonised when the Charity has entltlement to the funds, any performance condluons attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income wlll be recieved and the amount can be measured reliably. 2.3. Tanglble Flxed Assets and Depreclatlon Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreclatlon and any accumulated Impairment losses. Depreclation Is provided at rates calculated to wrlte off the cost ol the flxed assets, less thelr estfmated resldual value, over thelr expected useful Ilves on the followlng bases: Computer Equlpment 5-year stralght-llne 2.4. Investments 2.5. Cash and Cash Equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents are baslc financlal assets and Include cash On hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term hlghly liquid invesLments that mature In no more than three months from the date of acqui5itson and are readlly convertible to a known amount of cash wlth Inslgnlficant rlsk of change In value. and bank overdrafts. 3. Income from Donatlons and Legadeg 2024 2023 Unrestrlrted Unrestrorted funds funds Donations and gifts Glft aid 168,172 6,412 228,438 8,059 174,584 236,497 4. Investment Income 2024 2023 Unrestrlrted Unrestrlrted funds funds Bank Interest recelvable 1,912 2.405 Pogc 9
Uttle Heroeg Notej to the Flnanclal Statements (contlnued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 5. Net Income/(Expendlture) The net (expenditure)/income Is ststed after charglng/(credlting): 2024 2023 Depreciation of tangible flxed assets owned 150 6. Analysls of Expendlture 2024 Actlvltles undertaken dlrectly Support rJ>sts (see note 7) Total Raising funds Establlshment Purchases Charitable Activity 8,143 20,045 333,627 63,690 34,645 815 71,833 54,690 334,442 361,815 99,150 460,965 2023 Actlvltleg undertaken dlrartly Support (see note 7) Total Ralslng funds Establishment Purchases Charitable Activity 1,944 52,579 6,932 2,000 54,523 6,932 165,084 163,084 165,028 61,511 226,539 7. Support Costs 2024 Ralslng fundg Establlshment Charftable Purchases Actlvlty Total Employee costs: Wages and salaries General adminlstration: Computer and rr repalrs and maintenance Stationery Caterlng Equipment expensed Telecommunications Independent examlnerfs fees Accountancy fees Bank charges Sundry expenses Depreaabon: Depreciation 63,690 18,106 81,796 8,555 610 8.555 610 326 815 2,530 1,200 1,465 135 1,568 326 815 2,530 1,200 1,465 135 1,568 150 150 63,690 34,645 815 99,150 Pagc 10
Llttle Heroes Notes to the Flnanclal Statements (contlnued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 2023 Ralslng fund9 Establlghment Charltable Purchages Actlvlty Total Employee costs: Wages and salarles Travel expenses General adminlstration: Computer and IT repalrs and malntenance Insurance Stationery Caterlng Equipment expensed Telecommunications Accountancy fees Bank charges Sundry expenses 52,579 52,579 1,113 1,113 866 1,322 539 155 866 1,322 539 155 2,000 1,151 1,584 109 93 2,000 1,151 1,584 109 93 52,579 6,932 2,000 61,511 8. Independent Examlner's Remuneratlon 2024 2023 Independent examination of the financlal statements 1,200 1,200 9. Staff Costs Staff costs were as follows: 2024 2023 Wages and salaries 81,796 52,579 No employees recelved employee benefits (excludlng employer pension costs) for the reportlng perlod of more than £60,000. 10. Average Number of Employees Average number of employees during the year was: 2 (2023.2) Pllgcll
Uttle Heroes Noteg to the Flnanclal Statements (contlnued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 11. Tanglble Assets Computer Equlpment Cost As at l January 2024 Additlons 2,251 As at 31 December 2024 2,251 Depreclatlon As at l January 2024 Provlded during the period 50 As at 31 December 2024 150 Net Book Value As at 31 Dernber 2024 2.101 As at l January 2024 12. Investments Cash & Cash Equlvalents Cost or Valuation As at l January 2024 Falr value adjustments 312.426 74,107 As at 31 December 2024 386,533 Provlslon As at l January 2024 As at 31 Dernber 2024 Net Book Value As at 31 Dernber 2024 386,533 As at l January 2024 312.426 13. Credltors: Amounts Falllng Due Wlthln One Year 2024 2023 Accruals and deferred Income 1.200 1,27 Page 12
Uttle Heroeg Notej to Ihe Flnanclal Statements (contlnued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024 14. Movement In Funds Asatl January 2024 Asat31 December 2024 Income Expendlture Unrestrlcted funds General: General unrestricted fund Deslgnated fund 1,265,292 176,496 (385,566) 6,222 1,050,222 Total funds 1,265,292 176,496 (385,566) 1,056,222 Agatl January 2023 Asat31 December 2023 Income Expendlture Unrestrlcted funds General. General unrestrlcted fund 1,247.928 238,902 (221,539) 1,265,291 Total funds 1,247,928 238,902 (221,539) 1,265,291 15. Transactlons wlth Trustees Durlng the year the expenses reimbursed to the trustecs or pald directly to third partles were as lollows: 2024 2023 16. Related Party Dlsclosures There were no transactions Wllh dlrettors. key management personnel, or entities controlled by thern, and no balances outstsndlng at the reportlng date. Puge 13