The family of tragic cross-Channel swimmer Susan Taylor have said they are "disappointed and upset" after a six-figure donation for the fundraiser's charity efforts turned out to be a hoax.
Mrs Taylor, 34, collapsed just one mile from the French coast as she swam under the guidance of the Channel Swimming Association, which officially authorises attempts, on Sunday.
She was pulled from the water and on to a support boat by her brother David, a paramedic, who battled to save her life before she was taken to hospital in nearby Boulogne-sur-Mer, where she was later pronounced dead.
Her death prompted thousands of people to donate to Mrs Taylor's two fundraising pages, in support of Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People and Diabetes UK.
However, it has now emerged that one donation to Rainbows, of £150,000, was a fake - something the charity described as an "appalling act at such a tragic and emotional time".
It is believed a similar hoax pledge was made to Diabetes UK.
Ms Taylor was just a mile off shore when she collapsed In a statement, Mrs Taylor's family said: "The family were obviously delighted when news of a donation pledge of £300,000 to the two charities was announced. Unfortunately, it would appear that this pledge was bogus since the funds have failed to materialise in the charities' accounts.
"(We) are disappointed and upset that an individual has taken actions which have misled the family and Susan's chosen charities in this way.
"The family wish to emphasise that they are extremely grateful for the support of members of the public and the generosity they have shown in supporting Susan's legacy.
"We do not intend to allow the actions of one person to detract from what Susan has accomplished and the pride we feel for her."
Legitimate donations to Mrs Taylor's fundraising pages have soared to more than £70,000 in the days since her death.
Comedian David Walliams - who swam the Channel in 2006 - is believed to have pledged £1,000 after a donation was made under the name of the Little Britain star with the message: "Sending all my love to Susan's family and friends".
Walliams tweeted later: "Despite the shock & sadness, it's good to see heroic Susan Taylor's charity total rising. Please give what you can ..."
Mrs Taylor had given up her full-time job to carry out charitable work and was working part-time as an accountant, her family said.
Before her solo attempt she told a newspaper that her training had been delayed a little by a shoulder injury and that she had put herself "through hell" training over the last year.
Geoff Ellis, chief executive at the Rainbows charity, condemned the hoax donations. He said: "We are shocked that a person would carry out this appalling act at such a tragic and emotional time.
"Susan devoted her life to Rainbows and since her sad passing, kind-hearted people - many of whom did not know Susan - have honoured her memory by pledging generous donations to her online fundraising page.
"We have relayed the news to the family who are devastated that someone would exploit this heart-breaking situation."
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