Spalding Flower Queen applicant Keith Ratcliff, aka Mr Pink, explains why he’s going for the role – and how he’s ignoring the backlash

Keith Ratcliff knows he has ‘raised a few eyebrows’ as a man in the race to be Spalding Flower Queen - but after the grief of losing his wife he’s determined to live life to the full and shut out the haters.

The 62-year-old is on the nine-strong shortlist in the race to take the traditional title - a fact that has sparked a big debate.

Having been married for 36 years Keith lost his beloved wife Sue four years ago and when he became a widower he came out as gay.

The Spalding resident, also known as Mr Pink, said: “Since losing my wife – I loved my wife very much, it was a shock – you realise life is very short. My whole attitude to life has changed since then.

“Coming out has been a big relief to me after hiding for 60 years.

“I feel so much lighter but have been handling the grief and mental anguish. I have found my way through.”

Get the news delivered straight to your inbox every morning - sign up to The Briefing here

Part of that process was to buy a bright pink hat and wear colourful clothes – which also brings positivity and joy to others.

He said: “I wanted to be brighter.

“The amount of people who come up to me who are encouraging and positive does help.”

Processing his grief has led him to realise that life is short and applying for the flower queen role - which was open to men and women - reflects his lust for life.

He said: “A friend initially suggested it (applying) and I dismissed it and then I thought about it and thought, why not?

“I am determined to try as much as possible before I pass away and this is something fun and interesting.”

Keith has tried to ignore all social media, TV and radio since joining the race - but friends have told him that his presence in the contest has sparked a debate.

Some commenters argue that a man should not be filling a role that they feel is meant, historically, for a woman.

Keith said: “Someone sent me a copy of an article from the Sunday Telegraph. The main complaint seems to be that I was taking a woman’s job and gaslighting – though I am not sure what that means.

“The whole point of equality is that there are not just jobs for gender orientation.

“But I am assuming it is a minority of people who are shouting loudly and making a lot of noise.

“I am trying not to worry about it.”

The Hertfordshire-born software support consultant is not concerned about labels or the name ‘queen’ – but questions the reaction backlash.

He said: “I don’t know if it is homophobia or that people don’t like change or differences – but I suppose that is just how hate works.

“I am not transgender, which I think has been suggested. I don’t have a problem with the word queen or an ambassador, labels are superfluous.”

The father of two and grandfather to six grandchildren, four boys and two girls, has support around him. His eldest granddaughter Charlotte (18) will accompany him to the finals night on March 9.

The nine finalists will attend a glitzy movie-themed evening at The Vista on where judges will determine both the flower queen and deputy roles.

He said: “I know I have raised a few eyebrows.

“But I am not taking anything too seriously – I just intend to enjoy the process.

“I am trying to enjoy life as much as possible – the flower parade is a great thing for Spalding – there is no serious reason behind me applying.”

His application may be a big influence on others who are struggling with issues such as sexual or gender orientation.

He said: “It is not just younger people – it is amazing how many older people in marriages have questioned it or know they’re homosexual or whatever. I have been approached by people who have said this.

“It is good to have someone to stand up and be noticed and make people aware and make them think.”

Avoiding any press attention – negative or positive – means Keith is concentrating on the process and shutting out the noise.

He said: “I am looking forward to the evening in March and meeting all the other contestants.

“I am pretty sure any of them would make an excellent flower queen.

“The whole thing is great.”

So how would ‘Mr Pink’ feel if he was crowned Spalding Flower Queen?

“I think there would be a lot of tears.”