STOKE-ON-TRENT, England — Three people have been arrested on suspicion of fraud following a fundraising event allegedly linked to the death of local footballer Jaycee Roberts, who died from skin cancer earlier this year.
According to Staffordshire Police, the fundraiser was held in May, with organizers pledging that all donations would go to Roberts’ family. However, the family reported in September that they never received the funds from the event, believed to have collected between £2,000 and £4,200.
The 25-year-old footballer, who played for Bradwell FC, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer in October 2022 and died on March 31, 2025. He was remembered as a talented and popular player, survived by his partner, three-year-old son, and close-knit family.
Police said a legitimate fundraising page had been set up by Roberts’ family, but a separate fundraiser — the focus of the investigation — appears to have diverted the money.
Detective Constable David Stubbs said investigators are working to determine how much was raised and how much remains missing.
“Since our investigation began, some funds have now been received by the family, but we are keen to identify the total raised and what funds are still unaccounted for.”
A 36-year-old woman, 27-year-old man, and 36-year-old man, all from Stoke-on-Trent, were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and conspiracy to commit fraud. All three have been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue.
Police have appealed for anyone with information about the alleged fundraising activities to come forward.
