The Starfish Trust
Also known as: The Charles and Mary Dobson Charitable Trust, The Spandex Foundation
It is the trustees' policy to give priority to appeals from charitable organisations based within a radius of 25 miles of the centre of Bristol in the following spheres:- Assistance to the disabled, with the priority being disabled children;- Assistance to those suffering from illness or disease; and- Medical research and welfare in the above areas.
Activities & Mission
It is the trustees' policy to give priority to appeals from charitable organisations based within a radius of 25 miles of the centre of Bristol in the following spheres:- Assistance to the disabled, with the priority being disabled children;- Assistance to those suffering from illness or disease; and- Medical research and welfare in the above areas.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Local Authority
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £46,146 | £43,380 | 0 / 0 | |||
| 2024 | £18,073 | £23,080 | 0 / 0 | |||
| 2023 | £40,169 | £49,605 | 0 / 0 | |||
| 2022 | £24,100 | £13,000 | 0 / 0 | |||
| 2021 | £12,500 | £7,000 | 0 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Starfish Trust
What does The Starfish Trust do?
It is the trustees' policy to give priority to appeals from charitable organisations based within a radius of 25 miles of the centre of Bristol in the following spheres:- Assistance to the disabled, with the priority being disabled children;- Assistance to those suffering from illness or disease; and- Medical research and welfare in the above areas.
How much income did The Starfish Trust report in 2025?
The Starfish Trust reported total income of £46k and reported expenditure of £43k for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
When was The Starfish Trust registered as a charity?
The Starfish Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 25 October 1988 as charity number 800203. It has been registered for 38 years.
Who runs The Starfish Trust?
The Starfish Trust is governed by a board of 4 trustees. The chair of trustees is CHARLES DOBSON. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Starfish Trust operate?
The Starfish Trust operates in Bristol City, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is The Starfish Trust a registered charity?
Yes — The Starfish Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 800203.
Details
ALMONDSBURY
BRISTOL
BS32 4BJ
Registry Information
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Trustees
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- The Charles and Mary Dobson Charitable Trust
- The Spandex Foundation
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 30 July 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated