Charity backs Dame Ann Gloag as she faces 'malicious allegations' of human ... trends now
A charity which supports trafficked people spoke out yesterday in support of Dame Ann Gloag following the revelation that the Stagecoach tycoon has been charged with human trafficking offences.
The Open Door Foundation said it was ‘shocked and horrified’ to learn of the claims against its ‘long-time supporter and friend’ and insisted the allegations must be ‘malicious’.
Another charity founded by Dame Ann, Freedom from Fistula, which supports women in Africa who have been seriously injured during childbirth, said it would support her ‘in her decision to vigorously defend herself against these damaging claims’.
Dame Ann, who is estimated – along with her brother, Stagecoach co-founder Sir Brian Souter, 68 – to be worth £730million, was charged after an interview by police on Thursday.
A charity which supports trafficked people spoke out yesterday in support of Dame Ann Gloag following the revelation that the Stagecoach tycoon has been charged with human trafficking offences
Another charity founded by Dame Ann, Freedom from Fistula, which supports women in Africa who have been seriously injured during childbirth, said it would support her ‘in her decision to vigorously defend herself against these damaging claims’
Yesterday, a source close to the 80-year-old philanthropist said: ‘It is an astonishing sequence of events. People who have worked with Dame Ann in the fight against human trafficking are dumbfounded. There was no arrest and Dame Ann went voluntarily to the police station. She was questioned and charged.
‘Dame Ann is incredibly stoic. However, she is greatly bewildered at what is happening here.’
Open Door said the tycoon had ‘since 2012, been one of the most important and consistent financial and material donors for the activities of our foundation, assisting over 1,200 survivors of human trafficking’. It added: ‘Dame Ann’s support has directly helped rescue 492 trafficked girls, including at least one trafficked to Scotland.’
Executive director Monica Boseff added: ‘Without the generosity and support of Dame Ann Gloag, our
