A veterans’ fundraising organization, We R Blighty, has been fined for conducting illegal street collections for the second time. Following a hearing at the City of London Magistrates’ Court on November 5, 2023, the court imposed fines totaling thousands of pounds against the organization and its directors, Ben Mills and Danielle Vidler.
We R Blighty, based in Broadstairs, aims to support veterans facing homelessness and financial hardships after leaving the armed forces. In a previous case, Mills and Vidler had pleaded guilty to 14 offences related to unlicensed fundraising activities occurring between August 2024 and February 2025. They were fined £3,640 for collecting donations without proper licenses in various locations, including the Square Mile of London.
During the recent court session, Mills admitted to six offences and Vidler to five, in addition to six breaches attributed to the company itself. The court levied a fine of £1,200 against We R Blighty, with individual penalties of £240 for Mills and £220 for Vidler. Furthermore, the organization was ordered to pay legal costs of £1,500 and a victim surcharge of £480.
A spokesperson for We R Blighty emphasized that the offences for which they were recently convicted stemmed from activities prior to the earlier reported case. They expressed concern that the timing of the hearing, just before Remembrance Day, may have misled the public into thinking these were new violations.
Previous Violations and Regulatory Concerns
Both Mills and Vidler had faced legal scrutiny earlier this year for unlicensed collections at locations such as Cannon Street, London Bridge, and Leadenhall Market. According to a report from the Fundraising Regulator, We R Blighty had committed nine breaches of its code of practice. The regulator noted that donors could have been misled by communications suggesting a link to reputable veterans’ charities, with some fundraisers displaying aggressive and unprofessional behavior.
John Fletcher, Chairman of the corporation’s licensing committee, commented on the significance of supporting legitimate veterans’ charities, especially during times of remembrance. He criticized We R Blighty’s approach, stating that their actions contrasted sharply with the dignity expected from organizations supporting veterans.
Commitment to Compliance and Future Goals
In response to the recent convictions, We R Blighty asserted that it has implemented significant changes to its operational processes and internal oversight. The organization highlighted that it received the lowest possible fine available for the offences committed. They also noted that the court directed the return of equipment previously held, indicating cooperation with regulatory authorities.
The spokesperson reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to transparency and ethical fundraising practices, stating, “Our mission to support the veteran community continues to guide our work, and we are focused on doing so in a transparent, responsible, and ethical way.”
As We R Blighty navigates these challenges, the organization aims to restore its reputation while continuing to provide vital support to veterans in need.
