A grandfather from Newport has been formally accused in court of misappropriating funds raised for his terminally ill daughter’s cancer treatment. Mark Davis, aged 51, is alleged to have defrauded his late daughter, India Davis—known as India Skinner at the time of her death—out of over £4,000 while acting as the administrator for a charitable fundraising page.
The alleged offence relates to a GoFundMe campaign established in 2021, which collected donations from the public to support India’s battle against ovarian cancer. Prosecutors claim that Mr Davis was responsible for overseeing the collection and distribution of the funds intended to support his daughter’s urgent medical needs. During his appearance at Cardiff Crown Court, Davis was accused of defrauding exactly £4,059.27 from the campaign, money that had been gathered through the goodwill of numerous supporters.
Mr Davis, of Fleetwood Close in Newport, has denied the single charge of fraud. He has been released on bail pending trial, which is scheduled to take place on 21 April next year. The case was briefly presented before Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, with Tom Roberts acting for the prosecution and Jac Brown representing the defendant.
India Davis’s story came to prominence when she spoke publicly about her experiences with ovarian cancer. Diagnosed originally with what doctors described as a cyst, her condition was later revealed to be a serious cancer, an ordeal that led her to campaign for greater awareness and improved early diagnosis. Tragically, after her cancer returned and her prognosis became terminal, she died aged 24 on 9 July 2022 at the Grange Hospital in Cwmbran.
In interviews prior to her passing, India spoke poignantly about how her illness had changed her worldview. “I look at the world differently now. Life is too short to hate or hold grudges,” she reflected, urging others facing medical uncertainties to persist in seeking answers and pushing for second opinions. Her advocacy underscored a determination to ensure other young women were aware of the signs and potential dangers of ovarian cancer.
The charitable fundraising page set up in India’s name had rallied a strong community response. Many donors believed their contributions would go directly toward India’s treatment and to ease the financial burdens her young family faced during her illness. The allegations raised in court have naturally caused distress among those who had wanted to support her, highlighting the broader risks and responsibilities associated with online charitable fundraising.
Cases such as this throw the spotlight on the importance of transparency and accountability in the administration of public donations. With platforms such as GoFundMe increasingly being used to support those in need, there are growing calls for donors to be able to trust that the funds they provide reach those they are meant to help. Advocacy groups and financial experts frequently stress the necessity for clear account-keeping and communication with donors, particularly when fundraising for medical expenses, which can often attract significant sums.
The outcome of this case will be closely observed, not only by India’s supporters and those in Newport but also by the wider community, as it raises significant questions on the safeguarding of funds collected for vulnerable individuals. Meanwhile, India’s legacy as an advocate for cancer awareness continues to resonate, reminding the public of her campaign for a better understanding and more compassionate approach towards those facing serious illness.
As the matter awaits judicial resolution, Mr Davis remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven otherwise. The forthcoming trial is expected to examine the details of the fundraising campaign along with the management and distribution of the funds. Many will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that provides clarity and, above all, justice for all involved.