Inquiry after cash goes missing from charity

POLICE ARE investigating after tens of thousands of pounds went missing from a charity’s account leaving it facing “severe” financial difficulties.

A member of staff has been suspended by Disability Sports Humber, which supports hundreds of disabled athletes doing sporting activities every week.

Two events, including the Hull 10K, have been directly affected and trustees are “reviewing the future of the charity as a result of financial concerns”.

The charity had faced pulling the plug on a celebration night for the sportsmen and women at the Double Tree by Hilton in Hull.

However the hotel stepped in and the awards, including special guest, Hull-born judoka Chris Skelley, who competed at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, will go ahead as planned on June 1.

A statement said: “After taking legal advice, the trustees have suspended one member of staff pending the outcome of a police investigation which is now under way.

“We are most grateful to the hotel for sponsoring the awards and enabling the event to go ahead, ensuring that the athletes can celebrate their achievements with their families and friends.”

Around 50 people have signed up to run the Hull 10K under the charity’s name on Sunday June 10. The charity said they were taking steps to ensure money raised “will go to another deserving, local cause”.