Britain’s ‘kindest’ plumber has had his citizen award rescinded after the trader faked stories about helping vulnerable people and pocketed £10,000 in donations.
The award was granted to James Anderson, 56, in 2023 in recognition of his efforts to provide free plumbing services and boilers to individuals in need.
Anderson is a resident of Burnley, Lancashire. He is the owner of Depher, which stands for Disabled and Elderly, Plumbing and Heating Emergency Response. Anderson also frequently updates his social media accounts with free boiler repair and replacement services.
However, a BBC investigation found that to generate thousands of pounds in contributions, the firm staged stories about assisting individuals.
Because of the newly discovered facts about the plumber, the British Citizen Awards have revoked their prize, citing a conflict with their principles.
Social media posts about Anderson’s charitable endeavours gained widespread attention during the UK’s high cost of living problem.
Anderson’s business gained recognition for providing free plumbing services and installing boilers for the elderly.
However, a BBC investigation claimed that he was selling false information and taking advantage of the weak while receiving £2 million in donations from the general people and £75,000 from celebrities like Hugh Grant and Lily Allen.
Anderson faced accusations of fabricating tales of saving an eighty-four-year-old woman from suicide and of disclosing his clients’ personal information without their consent.
A spokesperson for the British Citizen Awards told the BBC: ‘We pride ourselves in recognising individuals across the UK who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on their communities and charities.’
They went on to say that the plumber’s behaviour didn’t align with their principles and that they had revoked his award.
When recently challenged by the BBC and GB News about the posts he’s allegedly faked, he didn’t explain but denied using the raised money for his own benefit.
However, he told GB News: ‘I’m only human, I’m doing the best I can.’
Speaking on the channel, he said: ‘I think in hindsight I’ve done too much too quick on my own, instead of getting in other people to help me and support me. Saying that it’s no excuse. But today has been very horrendous for me.’
The Fundraising Regulator launched an inquiry into the plumber’s business in response to the BBC’s disclosures to determine if Depher violated any provisions of the code of fundraising practice.
Elements of the code include being legal, transparent, and respectful.
This man has now been called out. His claims didn’t add up, but people being the way they are now believe the social media hype and ignore the red flags, including celebrities. People are suckers for a sob story, and people seem to live in a fantasy world, and this has been going on for a very long time.
He’s been plumbing the depths of the abyss, to effectively steal an image of being the good samaritan, so the opposite of Robin Hood.
Sadly, there are decent tradespeople out there who are unfairly characterised by individuals such as this plonker.
He’s a nasty guy, and I don’t know how people can act this way. It’s known as temptation and human nature, I guess. He’s certainly plumbed the depths of dishonesty, and criminal investigations should be initiated against him, especially when he’s received all that money.
Ultimately, if you’re a kind person and you help others, you shouldn’t feel the need to boast about it or even get paid for it. You should never ask for anything in return; you help others because you want to.
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 