A woman in Wales has been found guilty of fraud against a charity set up in memory of a three-year-old boy who died of cancer. Charlotte Blackwell, aged 40, from Cefn Glas in Bridgend, pleaded guilty to fraudulently receiving funds from the Morgan’s Army Charitable Foundation with the intention of pocketing £4,000 for herself.
The Morgan’s Army Charitable Foundation was established by Natalie Ridler and her husband Matt, inspired by their late son Morgan. Mrs. Ridler expressed her dismay at how Blackwell had manipulated and taken advantage of their vulnerability following Morgan’s passing in June 2023.
Blackwell deceived Mrs. Ridler by claiming her child had relapsed with cancer and needed treatment in Germany. She set up a fundraising page on Gofundme, where donations poured in, including from Morgan’s Army supporters. However, suspicions arose when Blackwell falsely claimed the charity endorsed her fundraiser to other sponsors.
In a shocking revelation, it emerged that Blackwell’s child had been in remission with no terminal prognosis and did not require the treatment Blackwell claimed. Mrs. Ridler, upon learning of the deception, reported Blackwell to the authorities, resulting in charges of fraud.
Despite being sentenced to a 10-month suspended jail term, a four-month curfew, 180 hours of unpaid work, and other penalties, Blackwell’s actions led to no financial loss for the charity, as the funds were retrieved before any misuse occurred.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Mrs. Ridler underscored the charity’s resolve to strengthen processes to prevent such incidents in the future. She emphasised the importance of maintaining compassion and empathy, traits instilled by her son Morgan before his untimely death.
Morgan Ridler succumbed to cancer in June of the previous year, just days shy of his fourth birthday. His courageous battle captured the hearts of many, leading to significant fundraising efforts by the Ridler family before forming the Morgan’s Army Charitable Foundation to support families affected by childhood cancer.