Alleged SA child cancer scam victims shocked by allegations

People who donated to an alleged child cancer scam and parents at the school of the boy at the centre of it have expressed dismay about the allegation of deceit by the parents.

People who donated to an alleged child cancer scam and parents at the school of the child at the centre of it have expressed dismay towards the parents accused of deceit.

A mother and a father have been charged over a $60,000 fake cancer diagnosis scam in which they allegedly shaved their six-year-old son’s head and put him in a wheelchair to trick people into thinking he was sick.

The couple, both 44 from Adelaide’s western suburbs, have been charged with commit an act likely to cause harm and deception offences and will face the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 5 years’ jail.

A parent at the boy’s school said she received a group Facebook message from another concerned parent telling them about the child’s condition and called for donations to a bank account.

The parents allegedly faked their six-year-old son’s cancer diagnoses to raise $60,000. Picture: Facebook

A social media post showing details of fundraising. Picture: Facebook

The parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said the way in which money was being raised was “a little bit suss” but others in the group “said they’ve donated a significant amount”.

She said she spoke with her children after being made aware of the child’s condition to learn the sick child’s mother had visited the school and spoken with students.

“My kids just said they have to look after him when he comes back,” the parent said.

“I feel sorry for the teachers who heard from the parent.

“Everyone is just really shocked.

“It’s just messed up.”

The parent said it was a tight-knit school community and feared what the allegations would have on students and future fundraising efforts.

“It’s really sad,” the parent said.

“Now if someone else in the future gets sick, people might not believe them.

“It’s just awful.”

The parent said they were yet to receive correspondence from the school.

A woman, who asked not to be identified, said she donated money to the couple.

She said they asked via Facebook for direct bank transfers claiming their son had stage one eye cancer and needed radiotherapy.

“(But he) was bandaged up before radiotherapy even started,” the woman, who donated her money said.

Police alleged the couple shaved their six-year-old son’s head and eyebrows, and placed him in a wheelchair with bandages.

“She (the mother) was sharing the fundraiser numerous times a day. Tagging all sorts of business(es),” the anonymous donor said.

The woman said she “felt disgusted” about the allegations.

A GoFundMe spokesperson said its trust and safety specialists are aware of the charge and are investigating as part of its standard due diligence process.

“At this time, based on information provided, no funds were raised via GoFundMe. However, this is an ongoing investigation and we will continue co-operating with police,” they said.