Natalie Ridler, mother of the late Morgan Ridler, expressed her resolve not to let a recent fraud case “make me harder.” This sentiment came after Charlotte Blackwell, 41, from Bridgend, pleaded guilty to defrauding the charity established in memory of Natalie’s son.
Blackwell targeted Morgan’s Army, created after three-year-old Morgan succumbed to a rare cancer last year, attempting to fraudulently claim £4,000. She was sentenced to ten months in prison, suspended for 21 months, and ordered to complete 180 hours of community service, alongside a night-time curfew.
Natalie Ridler recounted how Blackwell applied for funding to support treatment abroad for a child she falsely claimed had relapsed. After weeks of fundraising assistance, including a GoFundMe page, Natalie discovered the deception.
Morgan’s Army, based in Gorseinon near Swansea, aids families grappling with grief and cancer treatment. Natalie, having reached out to other charities for support, noticed Blackwell was hesitant to accept help. Conversations with those charities revealed that Blackwell’s claims were unfounded.
“I spoke to some charities who were familiar with this family from years past, and they confirmed this family hadn’t relapsed,” Natalie stated. When she attempted to contact Blackwell, her calls went unanswered.
Following the revelation, Natalie contacted the police and the Charity Commission, successfully freezing the GoFundMe page to return donations. Reflecting on the situation, she expressed feelings of failure, believing her checks were adequate.
“This has shown me how naïve I can be,” Natalie admitted. “Even families who have endured tragic experiences can resort to deception.”
Despite feeling “a bit sick” from the betrayal, she vowed to uphold the values her son instilled in her: empathy, compassion, love, and trust. “I won’t let this situation change who I am,” she affirmed.
