VIDEO: 80s music star backs campaign to save Chorley and South Ribble A&E
‘Doctor’ Clive Jackson, of Doctor and the Medics – a band most famous for hit single Spirit in the Sky – took time out from touring to record a video message about the closure of the A&E department at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital.
In the video, he said he was ‘delighted’ to support the campaign to save the A&E, which temporarily closed in April due to a staff shortage.
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Hide AdHe said: “In 1977 people came together to protest against the closure of the then Chorley hospital.
“Almost four decades later, the communities of Chorley and South Ribble have again come together united in support for doctors, nurses and all other staff who work at the hospital – united in support for our NHS, and in fighting to save your A&E.
“I would like to congratulate each and every one of you on your efforts so far.
“But the hard work starts again now.
“If you strongly believe in something, don’t be afraid to fight for it – I wish all of you every success in that fight.”
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Hide AdThe star made the video after hearing about the crisis from his friend, Save Chorley A&E campaigner, Jay Mayren.
Jay, from Preston, said: “These kinds of people might have a lot of influence on the campaign.
“I knew the doctor would support it – and the fact he has really empowered everyone.
“Just a few words have gone a very long way and that’s absolutely fantastic.”
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Hide AdJay said the Doctor first got involved by signing the petition to save the A&E department.
He added: “And I thought we needed to go one step further to try and publicise what we are trying to achieve here.
“I know they are saying it’s a temporary closure but it may be a bit more permanent than that.
“Nobody is getting a clear picture from the trust about what’s going off.
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Hide Ad“For somebody so well-known to get behind the campaign is just absolutely wonderful.
“It’s a massive morale boost for everybody involved in the campaign and all the staff at the hospital.
“I’m hoping that the video will get shared and hopefully go viral and that our message goes around the world.
“We need as much help and support as we can get to get Chorley A&E reinstated.”
Jay, who works as a civil servant, says he has plans to contact other figures in the public eye to try and get them back the campaign.