Why IS Ormond St returning its £530k?

GREAT Ormond Street Hospital has been criticised for handing back money raised by the Presidents Club dinner.

Some even suggested the hospital was making ‘needy children suffer’ after it said more than half a million pounds in donations would be returned.

The leading children’s hospital, in central London, said it had received £530,000 from the charity between 2009 and 2016 – but said the proceeds would be paid back after the all-male event’s sleazy culture was laid bare.

A poll for ITV’s Loose Women, which had last night received 3,300 responses, found just 21 per cent backed the hospital’s decision. It also faced criticism on social media. Boy George tweeted: ‘So the kids suffer for adults’ bad behaviour? Does this make sense to anyone?

‘It’s like when they lock people up for stealing money? Get them to work it off and save the taxpayer a small fortune!’

Shana Jordan posted: ‘No, money is money! If my baby was seriously ill I wouldn’t care about any moral high ground I’d just want my baby better. Any hospitals can’t/shouldn’t be able to afford to just throw money away.’

Martin Arthur added: ‘With Great Ormond Street returning Presidents Club donations, doesn’t it seem like sick children are being punished for the transgressions of an arrogant, sexist elite?’

A GOSH spokesman said it did not take the decision ‘lightly’ and insisted children’s treatment would not be affected.

Last night, a JustGiving page had been set up to replace the money handed back.

Richard Frost, who launched the campaign, described the hospital’s decision as ‘noble’, adding: ‘It is unfortunate that the repercussions of this should impact on a charity that does such great work.’