Claire Alderton, 48, from Shadwell Road, Portsmouth, has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to fraudulently obtaining a job at George’s Rockstars charity by providing fake references and fabricating a cancer diagnosis. The case has drawn strong condemnation from the charity and highlights the impact of deception on vulnerable charities.
Deceptive Employment
Alderton secured the role as trusts and foundations fundraiser in June 2024 by supplying two forged references. She claimed to have successfully applied for grants, but when the charity contacted one alleged funder, they revealed no application had been made. Further checks found the references were falsified, confirmed by the supposed former employers via LinkedIn.
False Cancer Claim
In December 2024, Alderton told the charity she had been diagnosed with cancer and ceased working, later ignoring all attempts to contact her. At her trial, it emerged she had never suffered from cancer, adding to the gravity of her deception.
Charitys Response
Amy O’Shaughnessy, co-founder of George’s Rockstars, who set up the charity in memory of her son lost to leukaemia, described Alderton’s actions as “truly abhorrent” and “emotionally devastating.” She called the exploitation of the charity and falsification of funding applications a profound betrayal of trust.
Police And Justice Reaction
PC Emma Thomas of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Central Fraud Unit praised the conviction, condemning Alderton’s targeting of the charity sector for personal gain. She emphasised the emotional and financial harm caused and said the prison sentence was deserved.
Serious Breach Of Trust
The charity continues its work undeterred despite the challenges caused by Alderton’s fraud, working tirelessly to preserve the legacy of its namesake while supporting families through music therapy in hospitals.
