London, UK – Charlie Simpson, a 7yr old boy from Fulham, London who has raised over £100,000 for Haiti work relief has decided to keep the money and buy “A new bike, and, and a fire truck” instead. Charlie and his father, Dan, hosted a 5 mile bike ride in the hope of raising £500. After receiving national media attention on BBC donations began coming in from all over the world.
When Charlie discovered how much money he had raised “He spent hours jumping on his bed yelling ‘We’re rich, we’re rich’” according to his mother, Leonora. “We tried to explain to him that the money was for others boys and girls” Leonora said, “but he’s old enough to make his own decisions now”. Coincidentally, Charlie has also decided to add another room onto the house for Leonora’s new hair salon.
When asked what type of toy fire truck he wanted, Charlie said “No! No! A real fire truck” and then he proceeded to trap an insect in a jar.
According to sources close to the Simpson family, Charlie has a history of shady money practices and “always seems to be around when money goes missing off the table” said one West London neighbor of the Simpson’s who wished to remain anonymous. Even the school lunch lady reports Charlie frequently hands her the incorrect change when paying for his lunch. “He buys the same sandwich and scone every day. He knows it costs £2.25, but constantly tries to get away with paying me £2.20 or £2.15″ she said.
Even multi-platinum musician Wyclef Jean has spoken out against young Charlie Simpson. The former member of the Fugees is, himself, currently caught in a scandal over alleged misuse of Haiti relief funds. Immediately following his Thursday morning hearing Wyclef issued a statement calling Charlie’s indulgence in a fire truck “Absurd” and reminded people he only stole a few thousand dollars to pay for a plane ticket and January’s rent. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. added that Wyclef would probably be “gone ’til November”.
With the exception of a few, there has been surprisingly little public outcry. In fact, donations continue to arrive in dozens by the hour. “Charlie has a big heart” his Dad says “and hopefully an even bigger Father’s day gift for me this year”.
