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Hundreds turn out for benefit

16/ 3/2006

MORE than £600 was raised at a charity night in aid of Hope Hospital's threatened maternity unit.

The event was held at Patricroft Working Men's Club in Legh Street on Friday, March 10 and attracted 200 supporters.

Elaine Bates and Namita Webster organised the night as a show of support for Hope.

Namita said: "We had a really good turnout and there weren't many empty seats. People were signing the petition to keep the maternity unit open.

"There were lots of families with children and everyone is against the plans for it to close."

The Hands Off Hope petition has now attracted more than 21,500 signatures but we need to keep the momentum going until the consultation finishes on Friday, May 12.

Petitions will be available to sign at the Hands Off Hope rally on March 25.

Elaine said: "We need people at this rally to show how important this is. It will be a final push before they make their decision."

Petitions should be sent to Hope Petition, 30 Church Street, Eccles, M30 ODF. Views can be submitted by writing to FREEPOST, Making It Better, sending an e-mail to: consultation.response@gmsha.nhs.uk or calling: 0800 587 2901.