A group of rugby players who dress in drag to raise money for charity have been told to stop wearing women's clothes in case it offends to LGBT community.
Upton Rugby Club, in Worcestershire, raised over £40,000 for a local hospice over the last 18 years by wearing fancy dress for their charity events.
But they have now been told their choice of attire could be deemed offensive by charity bosses - despite not receiving a single complaint.
Father-of-three Mark Tomlinson, 54, who is a member of the rugby club, has been helping to organise the 'Leo Sayer All Dayer' since 2003.
But he was left gobsmacked to be told by St Richard's Hospice they would no longer be publicising the event over fears it might upset the LGBT community.
He has now lodged a formal complaint with the Worcester-based hospice, where his wife Pip died of cancer in 2008, and described the decision as 'PC gone mad'.
Upton Rugby Club, in Worcestershire, raised over £40,000 for a local hospice over the last 18 years by wearing fancy dress for their charity events
But they have now been told their choice of attire could be deemed offensive by charity bosses - despite not receiving a single complaint
Father-of-three Mark Tomlinson, 54, who is a member of the rugby club, has been helping to organise the 'Leo Sayer All Dayer' since 2003. But he was left gobsmacked to be told by St Richard's Hospice they would no longer be publicising the event over fears it might upset the LGBT community
Mr Tomlinson, a construction site manager, from Upton-upon-Severn, said: 'We have been doing this for 18 years and not had one complaint.
'St Richard's is a cause that is very close to our hearts. It's not about publicity or recognition but it's about the ridiculous excuse they gave for not doing it.
'It's just political cobblers. I'm sure we're not the only charitable organisation to come across this bureaucracy.
'I am sure people in the hospice don't mind that 12 blokes are dressed in frocks and raise thousands of pounds.
'This is not publicity stunts, or a personal crusade, we are just trying to raise money for a good cause.'
Mr Tomlinson is now vowing to continue the fundraising tradition of the
