The trustees present their report and financial statements for the Period ended 31 December 2024.
The Charity was incorporated on 29th April 2020 and commenced operations from this date.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "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 1 January 2019)".
NIPANC is a Northern Ireland-based charity dedicated to improving outcomes for those affected by pancreatic cancer. The charity pursues this goal through the following key objectives:
Raising public awareness of pancreatic cancer
Promoting understanding of its signs and symptoms and the critical importance of early diagnosis, targeting both the general public and healthcare professionals
Funding vital research into the disease
Providing support for patients and their families
The charity was established by individuals personally affected by pancreatic cancer who came together to raise awareness and secure funding for better diagnosis and treatment.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Strategic Approach and Activities in 2024
Now in its seventh year, NIPANC continues to deliver on its founding mission while increasingly focusing on partnerships and strategic collaborations to maximise impact and make best use of its resources.
The charity remains entirely volunteer-led, with no paid staff. Services essential to its operations—such as design, social media management, and public relations—are delivered through external contractors.
Public Awareness and Advocacy
Public awareness remains at the heart of NIPANC’s work. In 2024, the charity achieved significant success in increasing public knowledge about pancreatic cancer and its symptoms. This was accomplished through high-impact PR campaigns and strategic use of social media. These efforts have helped highlight the importance of early diagnosis, which is crucial for improving survival rates.
NIPANC’s 2024 Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month campaign, Working Together, Changing the Future, showcased the charity’s partnership-driven approach. The campaign emphasised the benefits of collaboration between charities, universities, healthcare providers, and the private sector. It also received significant media attention, further amplifying the charity’s message.
Partnership Working
Strengthening partnerships has been a major focus this year. NIPANC has actively engaged with other organisations to develop better services for pancreatic cancer patients and their families.
In collaboration with Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, NIPANC initially funded a part-time counsellor, which has now been expanded to a full-time post due to strong demand and positive feedback.
Discussions with the Kingsbridge Foundation have led to NIPANC funding a full-time Pancreatic Cancer Support Nurse to provide direct support in the community. The partnership is also delivering regional roadshows to raise awareness, the first of which rolled out in late 2024.
NIPANC joined a newly established Regional Cancer Consortium, a collective of regional cancer charities working to coordinate advocacy and strengthen dialogue with government.
A significant three-way partnership between NIPANC, Pancreatic Cancer UK, and the Department of Health, announced in November 2023, is now progressing a new regional care pathway for pancreatic cancer patients in Northern Ireland.
Research and Innovation
NIPANC continued its commitment to research by supporting four PhD students at Queen’s University Belfast, focusing on pancreatic cancer care, treatment, and the experiences of carers.
The charity also funded the development of an innovative gaming app, designed to help clinicians identify early symptoms of pancreatic cancer. The app is currently under development and scheduled for release in 2025.
Patient and Family Support
Supporting patients and families is central to NIPANC’s mission. In 2024, new and expanded initiatives included:
The introduction of ‘Making Memories’ grants, offering affected families brief opportunities for respite and moments of joy during difficult times.
Continuation of the free family photography service, providing lasting keepsakes and emotional support.
These initiatives have been warmly received and have added meaningful value to the lives of those navigating the challenges of pancreatic cancer.
Fundraising and Community Engagement
NIPANC’s work is made possible by the generosity and dedication of supporters across Northern Ireland. Fundraising highlights from the year include:
Community-led events such as coffee mornings, sponsored runs, and marathons
A courageous round-Ireland sailing challenge by a dedicated supporter
Generous support from institutions including the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, which selected NIPANC as its charity of the year
The highly successful ‘Pedal the Periphery’ charity cycle event (covering 480 miles around Northern Ireland), alongside the annual Charity Ball and a variety of other events.
These efforts raised essential funds and helped extend the reach of NIPANC’s message to new audiences.
Looking Ahead
The Trustees are proud of the significant progress made in 2024. It has been a year of growth, collaboration, and impact:
Awareness of pancreatic cancer has never been higher
Strategic partnerships have led to the development of new and enhanced patient services
Research into early detection and patient care is advancing
Volunteer and community support continues to grow
Despite these successes, the Trustees acknowledge that there remains much to do. With continued collaboration and public support, NIPANC is confident it can build on this year’s achievements and move closer to transforming outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients and their families.
We dedicate this year’s work to 2 of our member, Roy and Brian, whose lives inspired us and whose memory will continue to guide us. Their contributions made NIPANC stronger, and their absence is deeply felt.
Gone too soon—always remembered.
In Memoriam
David “Roy” McLaughlin
On behalf of the NIPANC Board and wider team, we wish to pay tribute to David McLaughlin, known fondly as Roy, who sadly passed away on 18 November 2024, following a hospital procedure.
Roy was the beloved husband of our Trustee Susan McLaughlin (née Cooke). A devoted father, loving stepfather, cherished son and brother. Roy was also a treasured grandfather and a much-valued friend of NIPANC.
Roy’s sudden passing left us all heartbroken. His unwavering support for Susan, who co-founded NIPANC following the loss of her first husband to Pancreatic Cancer, became a hallmark of his quiet but powerful presence. He was always by her side—whether loading the car for events, helping set up stands, transporting merchandise, or capturing key moments with his camera.
His final contribution came during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 2024 at the Partners in '#TimeMatters' event in Queen’s University Belfast. True to form, Roy ensured everything ran seamlessly—present, dependable, and deeply committed.
A kind and generous soul, Roy’s spirit will live on through our work, and he will be remembered always with gratitude and affection.
Brian Magennis
We are also deeply saddened by the loss of our esteemed Trustee, Brian Magennis, who passed away peacefully on 16 January 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Brian, a well-known and deeply respected member of the Poyntzpass community, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in 2020. After bravely overcoming his illness once, he faced a recurrence with the same courage and dignity for which he was widely admired.
Brian was the beloved husband of Margaret, devoted father of Daniel and Ben, and a treasured son, brother, and friend. His passing has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew him.
Brian's heart, belonged to his family, his faith, and his community. A committed member and former captain of Redmond O’Hanlon GAA, he also served his parish as a church reader and his local school as a governor.
As a NIPANC Trustee, Brian brought unmatched passion, empathy, and authenticity to our cause. His lived experience of Pancreatic Cancer added depth to our work and direction to our goals. He was a quiet force for good—measured, thoughtful, and deeply caring.
Brian’s legacy is one of leadership, humility, and service. We are honoured to have known him and privileged to carry his mission forward.
The income for the period was £302,010 and expenditure was £133,310. This leaves a surplus of £168,700 (2024: £177,313). The trustees took the decision to change the year to 31 December 2024, therefore the accounts include activities for the 8 month period to 31 December.
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees considers that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the Period.
The trustees along with their research panel are continually considering various research projects but no funds have been committed yet hence the considerable funds presently being held by the Charity. It is hoped that a suitable research project will be identified in the near future.
Subsequent to the financial period end, the charity, in partnership with Kingsbridge Healthcare Group, funded the introduction of a full time Pancreatic Cancer Support Nurse.
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the Period and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the Period ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 6 to 14.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
examine the financial statements under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008;
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Commission under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008; and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
I have examined your charity financial statements as required under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the financial statements presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe that:
1. Accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or
2. The financial statements do not accord with those accounting records; or
3. The financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102); or
4. There is further information needed for a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
We have examined your charity accounts as required under Section 65 of the Charities Act and our examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
Our role is to state whether any material matters have come to our attention giving me cause to believe:
I have completed my examination and I have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the Period. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
NIPANC is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is 384 Belmont Road, Belfast, CO Antrim, BT4 2NF.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accrual basis, exclusive of any VAT which can be recovered.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those coasts of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.
All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource.
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
Gift aid
Accountancy
The average monthly number of employees during the Period was:
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.