Children's charity reverses decision and will now keep cash

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity will keep £530,000 in donations from a scandal-hit function.

It has reversed a decision to return the money collected from the Presidents Club Charitable Trust.

The men-only event provoked outrage after reports hostesses were routinely groped by diners.

A spokeswoman for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity said: "Our thinking is always guided by our aim to maximise the support we give to the hospital and the families it cares for.

"Following feedback from our supporters, guidance from the Charity Commission and taking into account the impending closure of the Presidents Club Charitable Trust, the trustees have decided to retain the funds donated by the trust.

"We would like to thank all of our donors for their support, it is only through their generosity that we can make a difference for seriously ill children cared for at the hospital."

Undercover reporters who worked at the event said hostesses were told to wear skimpy black outfits with matching underwear and asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement about the event.

The story sparked outcry and led Presidents Club chairman David Meller to quit his non-executive role on England’s Department for Education board.

Education minister Nadhim Zahawi was also reprimanded for attending the dinner.

Guy's and St Thomas' Charity said it would keep £365,000 in donations from the trust.

However, the Royal Academy of Music has promised to return a £10,000 donation.

The Presidents Club dinner was held annually for more than 30 years and raised £20m for children's charities.