Two Angus residents who claim they can contact the dead have accused Cancer Research UK of ”disgusting” behaviour over a forthcoming charity evening.
Seasoned fundraisers Audrey McDonald (62), of Inveraldie, and James Cameron (57), of Arbroath, are furious with the charity after initially being told they would not accept donations raised from the mediumship show because it depicts communication with the dead.
The surprise move came after a member of the public complained that a poster advertising the event was on display in the charity’s Broughty Ferry store.
This was upheld by bosses at Cancer Research UK, resulting in the poster being removed from the shopfront and a reminder issued to all shop managers across the UK that they could not promote similar events.
For Mr Cameron, who is organising the fundraising evening at the Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath, the charity’s stance came as complete a shock.
He claims to have handed over more than £12,000 to the cause in recent years but now wants to reclaim this sum.
”I am outraged,” continued Mr Cameron. ”I have lost people to cancer and wanted to raise money for them. But now I am so upset that I want to take back that money and give it to other causes.
”They told me that they would not take money from mediumship evenings but suddenly, after the media made contact with them, they have changed their mind and say that they will take donations but won’t put posters up in the window to promote the shows.”
Cancer Research UK spokeswoman Linda Summerhayes said: ”Our shops have community notice boards inside which encourage the public to advertise activities that benefit Cancer Research UK and the local community.
”However, it was decided that, after reviewing local supporters’ views, comments and feelings towards the supporter activity in question, Cancer Research UK would not allow this to be advertised.”
For Mrs McDonald, who has been a medium for around 15 years, the charity’s explanation has only fuelled her anger towards them.
She said: ”My opinion of Cancer Research UK has really changed. Even if they say they will start to accept donations again I would not help them because of the way they have treated me.”