Let us make one thing absolutely clear, this website is not, and never has been intended to be, a one-way street.

We have repeatedly made clear that our investigation is about evidence, transparency and accountability. That principle applies equally to ourselves.

We openly invite Pumpkin and Friends Charity, its CEO and trustees to contact us with any evidence, documentation or explanation they believe challenges anything published on this website. We will gladly consider their submissions, publish relevant evidence, correct any factual inaccuracies and provide a fair opportunity for them to respond to or dispute the matters raised.

We are not afraid of being challenged. We welcome it. If we have something wrong, show us the evidence and we will put it right.

This stands in stark contrast to the experience of those who say they have been blocked, dismissed or denied an opportunity to respond by people associated with Pumpkin and Friends Charity – we ourselves have been blocked. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard, including those who disagree with us.

Since the launch of this website, we have become aware of comments attributed to Pumpkin and Friends Charity on other people’s social media posts, portraying the charity as the victim of bullying. We have also been informed of communications sent to third parties presenting a similar account.

What does involving people who have no connection to this investigation achieve? Why draw others into an increasingly public dispute rather than address the questions and evidence directly with those who have raised them? We do not dismiss anyone’s right to say they feel unfairly treated. But equally, describing an investigation as bullying does not, in itself, answer the questions being asked.

Our position is straightforward, we will give Pumpkin and Friends Charity the opportunity to respond that so many others say they have been denied. This website is not about silencing anyone. It is about making sure that questions can be asked, evidence can be examined and every party has a fair opportunity to put forward its account.

The invitation is open. The opportunity to respond is there.