In reply to CrushUnit:
Potentially a lot to cover, so please pm me if you want further detail.
My main piece of advice is to adopt the mantra 'form follows function', i.e. spend as long as it takes working out what it is you really want to do, then decide on the appropriate structure.
The charity 'brand' is very beneficial when it comes to fundraising: allowing you to claim gift aid, gives the organisation a degree of kudos (joe public trusts charities), other funders will often only donate to registered charities. However, you need an income of a minimum of £5k, and demonstrate this through bank statements. This would rule you out as your organisation as you will have £zero to start with. Furthermore, the charity commission will want to ensure that your purpose/work is for 'public benefit'. My view is that raising funds for a specific organisation would be rejected. You could however raise funds for other public benefit. For example, raising funds so that people with cancer and their families could apply for grants for respite, holidays etc. The charity commission would insist that there is an open and transparent process, accessible to all etc. This usually requires a system of grant application/assessment etc...........very laborious and doesn't sound like you want to go down this route. If you decided to go down the registered charity route, then the registration is laborious but the annual reporting is relatively straight forward.
Key point: if you wanted to have a high degree of personal control over what the organisation does, then the charity route is NOT the best way. Charities are very democratic, eg you could get voted off the Board at an AGM. The charity trust model goes some way in overcoming this, but that way down the line.
I can forward loads of info about pros/cons, processes etc.
I reckon you've got 3 options:
1. Set up an unregistered charity with a simple 'constitution for a small charity' and a small management committee. Very detailed guidance here:
https://www.gov.uk/topic/running-charity/setting-up
2. Just crack on with it using a Just Giving page
3. My recommendation: Start off by raising funds just for Cancer Research. Avoids loads of hassle. Drop them a line and ask to speak to one of their fundraisers:
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/do-your-own-fundraising?gclid=Cj...
Good source of info on fundrasing is here:
http://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/home/
PS. whereabouts are you based? I may know someone more local who could advise.