Editorial: Second chance given to Bay man

Convicted fraudster Allan Mitchell has set up his own Givealittle page following an announcement that he has brain cancer.

Allan Mitchell's plight will divide opinion.

The dying convicted fraudster is trying to raise money for a new drug treatment he says could extend his life.

He says he has five weeks to live after doctors found multiple incurable melanomas in his brain.

The father-of-two, convicted in 2008 for selling pills he claimed could make women's breasts larger and firmer, is desperate to try a pioneering skin-cancer drug that could give him an extra six to 12 months of life.

Mr Mitchell, who lives in Paengaroa, wants to raise $56,000 through a Givealittle page for a 12-week treatment programme.

In the past few days, some people have questioned the validity of Mr Mitchell's cancer claims, given his history.

Givealittle investigated and is satisfied the page reflects the situation facing him. Mr Mitchell has owned up to his past and says he has nothing to hide.

He has paid for his crime so should it be held against him?

A lot of people seem to think not.

Since Sunday, donations to his cause had jumped from $8000 to almost $9500 by 11am Wednesday.

"You [sic] criminal past does not mean we can't show some compassion here," one donor wrote on the page.

However, it is easy to understand why some people might have reservations about supporting the cause.

Mr Mitchell appears to accept this, acknowledging that if his past actions impact on his cause then he is "coming to peace with whatever happens".

For the most part, there is no such thing as a clean slate.

People are judged on their past actions whether it is by prospective employers, or, as in the case, by people wanting to help.