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News,16 May 2024,5 mins

Exposing Britain's 'kindest' plumber

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You may know James Anderson as “Britain’s kindest plumber”. He made the front pages of newspapers and graced the studios of almost every media outlet. His pledge to repair boilers for free and help those in need through the cost of living crisis earned him an army of fans – and millions of pounds in donations – which famously included £75,000 from none other than Hugh Grant. But, a BBC News investigation into 'Britain's kindest plumber' has found that his company DEPHER used vulnerable people's photos on social media without consent. In some cases, untrue claims were made about the elderly people featured. Mr Anderson defended himself against some of the allegations, but admitted mistakes had been made. The Fundraising Regulator has now opened an investigation. In this episode of our 5 Minutes On podcast, our correspondent Ed Thomas meets James Anderson, DEPHER's former staff, and the people who have used the company's services. Image Credit - BBC News

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