Fish4Dogs has helped a rescue charity that was fleeced of its finances by a bogus ‘volunteer’ who was subsequently jailed for six years.

K9 Crusaders, based near Truro, Cornwall, had between £88,000 and £200,000* stolen from its funds by a career criminal. The charity’s founder Sue Smith appeared on Channel 5’s ‘Do The Right Thing’ to tell her story and warn other charities of the dangers.

She was moved to tears during the live show, which was aired on 6 January, when it was revealed how kind-hearted businesses had chipped in to help her charity recover. They donated two sheds, packed with dog food including a selection of dry food, treats and canned wet food.

During the consumer show, which is fronted by Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, Sue told how she was befriended by Katrina Jones on an online dogs’ forum who claimed to be a qualified accountant and offered to help her run the charity’s finances.

Sue was particularly vulnerable at the time. Her husband, Peter, with whom she had founded K9 Crusader in 2002, had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and dementia. Following his death, she “found the strength” to continue working, discovered the financial irregularities and reported them to the police.

In 2015, Jones was found guilty of 29 counts of theft totalling more than £500,000 from a number of organisations but K9 Crusaders were unable to recover a single penny.

The charity with its mission to “rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome needy dogs” has cared for more than 3,000 animals over the years.

Programme makers Goowoo Media contacted Fish4Dogs for help.

Said Executive Producer Richard Woolfe: “The Do The Right Thing team, cannot thank Fish4Dogs enough. It really is very kind indeed and will be much appreciated by K9 Crusaders.”

Sue, who appeared on the programme with her German Shepherd rescue dog Tara, had the surprise donation revealed to her by guest Faye Tozer.

Faye, formerly of pop group, Steps, told her: “What an inspirational woman you are. To go what you have gone through and still be standing.”

The Charity Commission advises all charities to be vigilant to potential fraud and to seek advice and help from the gov.uk website.

For information on Fish4Dogs visit: www. www.fish4dogs.com To donate, or fundraise for K9 Crusaders, see www.caninecrusaders.org

*Police traced £88,000 stolen by Katrina Jones but Sue Smith believes the amount to be in the region of £212,000