Controversial Ludlow Bed Push will return with men in drag
A charity fundraiser which escalated into controversy after money raised was turned down because men dressed as female nurses took part has been revived.
The Ludlow Bed Push has raised thousands of pounds for the town's hospital over the years.
But last year, health bosses refused to accept the £2,500 raised saying the fact the event featured men in drag was "insulting."
But now Alison Hiles, whose husband Mark takes part in the event, has confirmed it will return this summer.
She said: "The bed push will be taking place again this year on July 7.
"Given the drama of the unaccepted donation last year there was a question of whether it would go ahead.
"But Peter Corfield, of the League of Friends of Ludlow Hospital, has confirmed that the push will go ahead with lads and ladies dressing up to celebrate 70 years of the NHS.
"Money raised will go to funding projects in the local community."
After the money was refused last year, Jan Ditheridge, chief executive of Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, said in a letter: "The presentation of men dressed as female nurses in a highly-sexualised and demeaning way is wrong, very outdated and insulting to the profession."
Ms Ditheridge added: "We have previously asked that this doesn't happen and therefore don't think it's right to accept any money associated with this activity."
But Mr Hiles said they had gone as nurses "because it raises more awareness".
He added that the group had "great respect for all the nursing profession", but they were "not harming anybody".
He said: "Are you going to stop the London Marathon, people dressing up to raise money because it might offend somebody? No.
"It's a free world. We should be able to dress how we want to dress."
