Fiona Dickson Memorial Trust

Registered Charity Number 1,002,652

CHAIRMAN'S ANNUAL REPORT 2004 / 2005

The Fiona Dickson Memorial Trust was established fourteen years ago in memory of Doctor Fiona Dickson who died of cancer. The stated purpose of the Trust is to promote knowledge and expertise in the field of cancer and palliative care. The Trust achieves this aim through providing educational bursaries for those undertaking training in this field. The reputation of the Trust is known nationally and internationally and applications for educational grants are received from both the United Kingdom and abroad.

In addition to providing financial sponsorship, the Trust publicises and circulates an informative, supportive booklet written by Dr Fiona Dickson during her illness. It is designed to help patients, carers and health professionals cope when dealing with cancer. This booklet can be accessed from the website www.fionadickson.org.uk and can also be obtained free of charge from the Trust’s Secretary or from the Trustees. It does not carry copyright restrictions.

DONATIONS

Only one donation of £20.00 was received by the Trust for the year 2004/5. Donations remain a matter of concern that the Trust members wish to address. Ideas for increasing incoming revenue continue to be explored.

GRANTS

The Trust members were unable to assemble together for an interim meeting following the Annual General Meeting in May 2004. However all the Trust members participated in assessing recent grant applications and awards were made accordingly by the Chairman Melanie Wright. The recommendations of the Trustees resulted in 3 bursaries being awarded totalling £1,000.00.

The Trust members will meet together in May 2005 at the Annual General Meeting and 8 applications are due for consideration on that date.

PUBLICITY

The Trustees are keen to publicise the work of the Fiona Dickson Memorial Trust as widely as possible. A website has been devised to help achieve this goal. It is possible to access information about the work of the Trust and for interested parties to download application forms as required. The website has been revised and amended this year and the Trust is indebted to Malcolm Bailey who has kindly given of his time and expertise to help our cause.

FINANCES

Contrary to last year, the interest received on the Coif Deposit and Bank Deposit accounts has risen. However investment income from Coif Income Units fell. The financial end of year balance amounts to £55,940 (£53,721 last year).

SUMMARY

The Fiona Dickson Memorial Trust remains committed to the ideal of improving the knowledge and skills of those working within cancer and palliative care. The education bursary system remains an effective way of achieving this aim. Applications received by the Trust continue to reveal the need for assistance through the Fiona Dickson grant system in both the United Kingdom and abroad.

Future challenges for the Trust continue to be the need to address increasing the publicity about its work as widely as possible. It is also important for the Trust to improve incoming revenue to help ensure the sustainability of the support it is able to offer to others.

The Trustees wish to acknowledge and thank our Honorary Secretary Mrs Marilyn Taffinder for her dedication, time and effort in organising the work of the charity.

 
Melanie Wright, Chairman
20th April 2005