Regulators look into allegations that calls for fundraising overwhelmed Olive Cooke

Members of the self-regulatory system governing fundraising are looking into allegations a 92 year old Bristol woman was overwhelmed by fundraising requests, contributing to her death.

The Fundraising Standards Board is investigating allegations arising via the media that Olive Cooke was caused severe distress by the volume of fundraising requests she received. The Institute of Fundraising is reviewing the code governing fundraising practices.

A number of media reports from the BBC, Daily Mail, The Mirror, and others have claimed persistent fundraising requests caused Cooke significant distress before she was found dead in the Avon Gorge in early May.

Reports quoting Cooke’s family suggested the pensioner, who had been recognised as the UK’s longest serving poppy seller, was a committed and generous giver but received an overwhelming number of phone calls and letters from fundraisers seeking more. It has also been alleged fundraisers were sharing Cooke’s contact details.

She was also understood to be in ill health, and further distressed by the loss of £250 she had sent to a relative in the post.

The FRSB has now opened an investigation into the allegations, and chief executive Alistair McLean said the regulator has already made contact with Cooke’s representatives.

“We are deeply saddened by reports that Mrs Cooke felt overwhelmed by charity fundraising requests. We acknowledge that fundraising is thought to have been one of a number of factors that is said to have caused her some distress in recent months,” McLean said.

The IoF’s Standards Committee is bringing together representatives from across the charity sector to review any learning from the tragedy.

The FRSB, Public Fundraising Regulatory Association, and charities have all agreed to feed into the review.

IoF chief executive Peter Lewis said fundraisers know it is “absolutely critical” to maintain public trust and confidence in charities, an important part of which is in fundraising to the highest standards.

“The IoF Standards Committee – which sets the rules for fundraising across the UK – will review any learning following Mrs Cooke’s sad death to make sure that our rules and guidance for fundraisers are as robust as they can be,” he added.