POLICE are investigating an allegation of fraud against a charity that has withheld £14,000 raised for a Melksham boy to pay for vital rehabilitation support.
The family of local boy Harry Kirkman, who has cerebral palsy and is six years old, has been unable to access the money held by Bristol-based charity, the Darren Wright Foundation for nearly two years.
The money was a portion of nearly £60,000 raised in 2016 by friends and family, which helped to fund a trip to America for an operation to help Harry walk on his own. The remaining money was intended to fund ongoing rehabilitation costs after his operation in the summer of 2016.
Alongside other families affected by the Darren Wright Foundation, Harry’s family complained to the Charity Commission who launched an investigation in November 2017. The case is now also being investigated by Avon and Somerset Police.
Speaking to Melksham News, Harry’s mum Charlotte Deegan said, “It makes us very angry, as Harry is the one who is missing out! There are treatments and equipment that Harry is unable to access because he doesn’t have his money.
“We have not had a word from the charity getting on for two years. We are doing our best to move on and not let it impact our lives too much as they have already done enough damage to us.”
A spokesperson from Avon and Somerset Police told Melksham News, “We can confirm we’re investigating an allegation of fraud relating to the Darren Wright Foundation.
“As part of our inquiry, a 32-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man have voluntarily been interviewed. Enquiries are ongoing.”
A spokesperson from the Charity Commission said, “Our statutory inquiry into Darren Wright Foundation remains ongoing. As such we’re unable to comment further so as not to prejudice the outcome of the inquiry. Once it has concluded, we intend to publish a full report detailing the outcomes of the inquiry.”
