Ludlow Bed Push row: Money raised will now go to community first responders

Members of the League of Friends of Ludlow Hospital had intended to give the £2,500 raised from the bed push to the hospital to buy vital equipment.

But Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust turned down the donation, saying that the bed-push was inappropriate and the men's costumes were 'over-sexualised'.

Now the friends have decided to use the money to pay for two community first responders for Ludlow.

Peter Corfield, chairman of group said: “We have supported the first responder scheme in the past and we were delighted to discover that two more local volunteers were about to enter training.

"Although training, uniforms and consumable items are provided free of charge by the ambulance service, the volunteers have to buy their rucksack, defibrillator and essential equipment.

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"As an alternative to purchasing hospital equipment, it was felt that supporting the first responders by providing their equipment would have a wide and immediate benefit to more people.”

The two trainees to benefit from the donation are Andy MacAuley, from Bitterley, and Charlotte Swinbourne, from Woofferton.

Gary Walters, proprietor of the Ludlow Brewing Company and a key organiser of the annual bed-push said: “We were all astonished when the health trust refused the money. However, using the money to equip two more first responders for Ludlow means that we have contributed to an immediate improvement in a vital local service and which in some ways will benefit more local people and visitors.

"We will still support the league and the hospital and we will continue with our annual fundraising event.”

Since 2007 The League of Friends has spent more than £324,358 on equipment for Ludlow Hospital.

Mr Corfield added: “The league is totally committed to ensuring that Ludlow Community Hospital remains a focal point for the provision locally of the highest possible standards of affordable healthcare.

"Investing in local first responders will be good for Ludlow and the hosts of visitors we welcome each year.”