Annual Report for the year ended March 31[st] 2021
The trustees of the Phoebe Lyle Trust Fund are pleased to submit their report and accounts for the period April 1[st] 2020 to 31[st] March 2021.
BACKGROUND
The Phoebe Lyle Trust was set up in April 2002, in response to the tragedy of the then 3 year old Phoebe being knocked down by a hit and run driver in Spain and left paralysed from the neck down. In response to the widespread support for Phoebe throughout the community a Trust was set-up to help Phoebe.
Medical experts believed that the best environment for Phoebe’s 24/7 care needs was at home with her family. The challenges ahead in making this possible were substantial. The health service, while doing all that it can, had limited resources and these are insufficient to make it possible to bring Phoebe home, to help build an appropriate living space for daily needs and to help her live a normal life. In response to these very real needs the Phoebe Lyle Trust was set-up so that it will be possible for Phoebe to have her needs met and her right to the best possible quality of life protected.
The Trust provides an independent and accountable means of benefiting Phoebe. As a result, her parents have been able to get Phoebe home, keep her at home, have her attend mainstream school and prepare her to live as independent and full a life as possible. By 2021, it has been successful – Phoebe is now 23 years of age and has been able to complete Belfast Metropolitan College and has been able to write articles for the Belfast Telegraph, blog on subjects such as accessible Information Technology and undertake voluntary work for disabled charities. Though Phoebe is life limited and the Trust has supported other children during its years of existence, it is still conscious of Phoebe’s future, ongoing needs.
OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY
The charity was established:
- (1) For the relief of financial need of Phoebe Lyle and other children who suffer spinal injuries, are permanently disabled and require ventilation as
a result of road traffic accidents and covering inter alia the funding of any medical, surgical, health care, therapeutic, welfare or caring expenses which in the opinion of the Trustees will enhance the quality of life of those children
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(2) For the relief of any disability of children injured in the circumstances specified above
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(3) In furtherance to those objects to initiate, promote and support any projects or projects of research or investigation into spinal regeneration.
ACCOUNTS and BANKING
Records of transactions (largely expenditure with some bank interest) are shown on the enclosed receipts and payments account for the year ending 31[st] March 2021. Standing orders and Direct Debits for Phoebe’s needs are included. All cheques are signed and authorised by Trustees.
No fund-raising activity has been undertaken and the Trust accounts remain with a healthy balance of £89,442.78 as a result of the initial fund raising and donations made to the Trust 2002 – 2003 which raised in excess £200,000.
ACTIVITIES 2020-21
There were no requests of support other than for Phoebe Lyle during this year. With the continuation of Covid in 2020, activities were limited. Due to the need for medical isolation, Phoebe was unable to participate in many activities herself including any further education or employment, a situation which she is hopeful of turning around.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The Phoebe Lyle Trust Fund is governed by Trust Deed laying out the constitution of the Trust, objectives, rules and powers of Trustees.
Payments are approved by at least two Trustees.
Meetings are convened when needed to consider any applications for help.
This report was approved and adopted by a meeting of the Trustees on Monday 21st June 2021.
Signed on behalf Trustees
David Lennon
Trustee