Royston Hospital, part of the East and North Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust, have rejected a donation of home-made cakes for their elderly patients, on grounds of health and safety.

The gift is part of a donation to the hospital that has been made by the Royston Runners for the last 24 years. Those wanting to participate in the annual 10 kilometre fun run have to provide cakes as entry fees, and some of these are auctioned off with a share of the proceeds going to the hospital, along with any unsold cakes. This year, due to the rejection, the Runners have given the cakes, along with a cash donation, to an appreciative local care home.

According to a report in the Daily Telegraph the hospital’s management have since apologised, and reversed their decision, following the negative publicity.