ONLINE crowdfunding sites do a great job of raising money for good causes where conventional methods might fail.

However, this system must be respected and not used frivolously. This is something that mum of two Nikki Smith has had to learn. Her online appeal on GoFundme to raise £5,000 to take her two daughters to Disney World was not only a dismal failure (attracting just £10) but also prompted a stream of abuse.

The public can often show boundless generosity to those in genuine need, but can be remorseless when someone is clearly abusing the system and trying to take advantage.