Woman jailed for three years after stealing £85,000 from charity in memory of friend's daughter

A woman has been jailed for three years after admitting stealing more than £85,000 from a charity set up by her best friend in memory of her late daughter.

Lindsay MacCallum was told that her actions had brought “devastation” to those who trusted her during sentencing at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

The court heard MacCallum had systematically and deliberately defrauded the Anthony Nolan Trust and Rainbow Valley and had betrayed those who were terminally ill and their families.

No explanation was offered for the fraud, MacCallum was not in debt and her lawyer told the court she struggled to articulate and explain her behaviour.

Johanna MacVicar was 16 when she was diagnosed. Her mum said gathering research, identifying options and seeking out the genuine people, therapies and support was a daunting task.Rainbow Valley

MacCallum told the court she intends to pay all the money back.

The Rainbow Valley foundation was jointly set up by MacCallum and Angela MacVicar, who lost her daughter Johanna to leukaemia in 2005 aged 27.

Ms McVicar thanked Police Scotland and the charity’s supporters for their help over a “very difficult” two years outside the court.

She said: “This sentence passed this morning is in line with the justice system and sends a message to the public that this will not be tolerated.

Lindsay MacCallum, right, stole from the charity set up in memory of Angela MacVicar's daughter. — Lindsay MacCallum, right, stole from the charity set up in memory of Angela MacVicar’s daughter. Supplied

“Working in the third sector is a rewarding and privileged position and it is heartbreaking when an individual case creates negativity within the sector filled with genuine people who care passionately about their cause.

“The ripple effect of hurt caused by Lindsay MacCallum runs deep. I ask people remember this was one person alone who breached the position of trust which was bestowed upon her.”

Johanna was 16 when she was diagnosed. Her mum said gathering research, identifying options and seeking out the genuine people, therapies and support was a daunting task.

In 2012, Ms MacVicar, family members and MacCallum set up Rainbow Valley with the aim of supporting those suffering from cancer and their loved ones.

MacCallum set up a bank account to receive donations for charity Rainbow Valley, which helps people suffering with cancer and their families.

Ten years later, MacCallum, from Aberfoyle, was charged with forming a fraudulent scheme to appropriate funds being donated to Rainbow Valley.

The 61-year-old arranged for the donations to be routed through a bank account she had access to in her official capacity. She would then transfer the money to her personal bank accounts or use it to pay for her own expenses.

The court heard she obtained £85,978 between February 2013 and November 2021.

MacCallum was also charged with forming a fraudulent scheme to appropriate funds being donated to the Anthony Nolan Trust between July 2011 and September 2016.

Falkirk Sheriff Court heard she obtained £9,505 in her official capacity with the stem cell charity as a result after forging signatures of office holders on cheques.