Supporters still fighting to keep children's heart unit in Yorkshire (From York Press)

Supporters still fighting to keep children's heart unit in Yorkshire

9:55am Saturday 16th February 2013 in News By Richard Catton, Health reporter

SUPPORTERS of the campaign to keep children’s heart surgery in Yorkshire are still raising money for the legal battle to stop the life-saving service moving to Newcastle.

Yesterday a number of schools in York held a Wear Red Day, with those involved saying it was “not too late” to write to the NHS demanding the surgery service stay at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI).

Deliberations are under way in the High Court in a legal challenge mounted by the Save Our Surgery SOS campaign against the Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts.

Jacqui Scott, 32, whose son, Cameron, underwent emergency heart surgery at LGI, was one of those to take part in a fundraising day yesterday at Stockton Lane Play Group.

She said: “We have raised £55 and we are delighted.

“A lot of schools held a Wear Red day in December but some couldn’t take part because of other charity commitments.

“It’s still not too late for people to write to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel and say why surgery needs to stay in Leeds.”

Meanwhile, fellow supporters Gill Bell and Di Popplewell, from Huntington, have handed over £512 to the fighting fund after a number of fundraising events around Christmas.

The pair are keen to keep the LGI service open because Mrs Popplewell’s daughter, Freya, six, is on the waiting list there for an operation.

Their fundraising activities have included a sponsored run, row and swim, thanks to the staff at ROKO gym, at Clifton Moor, who allowed them use of their facilities.

Gill said: “Funds were boosted by a generous donation of £180 from the directors at Holmes Catering in Full Sutton.

“They were so impressed with our efforts for such a good cause they donated this in addition to what staff had already sponsored.”

Speaking of the campaign to keep the heart surgery in Yorkshire, she said: “To the High Court, we would urge that if that the decision is not overturned children’s lives could literally be lost.

“To parents across Yorkshire, support us – because you never know when you or someone you love may need this vital facility. None of us ever thought we would.”