Camila Batmanghelidjh: Kids Company charity founder dies aged 61 | UK News

Camila Batmanghelidjh, who founded the high-profile Kids Company charity, and was a well-known campaigner for disadvantaged youngsters, has died aged 61.

Born in Iran, Batmanghelidjh rose to prominence in the UK after setting up Kids Company in south London in the 1990s to provide support for children in poverty.

The charity collapsed in 2015 amid allegations of financial mismanagement and sexual abuse. It had already received a substantial grant for the year and was handed another £3m despite it being deemed not value for money.

Police later investigated the allegations, and found no evidence of wrongdoing.

Despite the charity’s closure, Batmanghelidjh continued to work with vulnerable families and collaborated with other charities including Oasis Community Learning, now one of the largest multi-academy trusts in England.

Batmanghelidjh had many accolades and was named one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK in a list including JK Rowling and Theresa May by BBC Radio 4.

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