Charity shops have defied the recession and increased their profits by 4.1 per cent in the past year. While the gross income of the 5,035 charity shops in the sample fell by 3.1 per cent to £526.1m, their costs fell even further, by 4.9 per cent to £414.6m, leaving a collective profit of £111.5m. Charity shops have now increased their profits for four years running, and in eight of the last 11.

Vibeka Mair reviews the leaders of the UK’s largest charities.

Cancer Research UK is to launch a TV ad campaign featuring genuine patients and survivors of cancer for the first time. The 'Bad day' campaign (pictured) features 38 actual cancer sufferers and highlights both their day-to-day struggle and the positive progress made by the organisation. It will launch on Sunday 12 July and air for seven weeks. It will be supported by a new website www.thousandsbeatcancer.org, as well as radio coverage.

Little to fear, little to get excited about, says Richard Bray.