Charity Walker's Funds Investigation

0:00On March 12, Thomas Judge became famous in T-Side for his charity walks carrying a fridge on his back to highlight mental health struggles. He started fundraising in 2021 under first contact UK mental health, pulling in cash through events like match day collections and long, treks to bin a dorm. For his latest walk last August, he claimed the group raised 38,000 pounds total with money going to suicide prevention and community support. Here this year, the organization gained official charity status. Performer volunteers say they've seen no proof that donations funded promised, services like respite caravans or equine therapy. Judge explained that funds covered the walks themselves to boost awareness, and some goals fell short due to low money. He tied one event to a local foundation for a teen who died by suicide in 2024, but the mother now feels her son's story was exploited. Years and staff who joined via social media calls grew frustrated and quit.

1:03One former chief executive, a local head teacher, spotted daily bank charges for meals, gym fees, and shopping that seemed personal. Another trustee left mid-walk after learning donations paid for the trip, feeling duped after raising nearly 1,000 pounds a day of football, grounds. Investigators found online donations from a 2022 walk transferred to a dissolved business account, with funds lost to the government as unclaimed assets, possibly several thousand pounds. The charity site listed NHS referrals for help, but local health services report no record of sending anyone there. Collection 10 still linger in shops, but the website is down. Judge denies any misuse, insisting all spending aligned with the charity's rules, and aim at mental health awareness without personal gain. As questions mount, former helpers urge donors to check where their money really goes, leaving the community to wonder about trust and grassroots causes.