A WEALTHY couple who have withdrawn a £3 million bequest to St Richard’s Hospice after a row about a broken fridge, have been roundly criticised by readers.

Mr and Mrs Bunyan were upset that the charity would not reimburse them for delivery after they bought a faulty second-hand fridge freezer from its Homestore in Lowesmoor.

As a result, the couple have taken St Richard’s out of their will, with the money initially intended to build a 10-bed boarding wing.

The Bunyons were also unhappy that, they claim, the hospice informed them during the argument that the wing would no longer be built and instead the money would be spent on other projects.

They also allege they have been pressured into paying some of the money upfront, before they die.

READ MORE: St Richard's Hospice loses £3m bequest for new 10-bed wing after broken fridge row

Sheila Farthing said she “cannot believe the audacity” of the couple, while Joanne Hill said: “I’m disappointed that they will lose this huge legacy over something so trivial and unnecessary.”

Bev Boother said: “There’s very few beds for an entire county – 16 currently – I believe. I hope they reconsider.”

Others suggested they leave their money to another worthy cause such as Acorns Children’s Hospice.

However, Ben Rendle said the Bunyans did “totally the right thing” as a charity has to “look after” its donors and supporters, “even if you think they are in the wrong and this didn’t happen in this case”. “Poor supporter care in my opinion,” he added. While Dawn Turner said: “You do not bite the hand that feeds you.”