Campaigners to march for services at Hartlepool's hospital in memory of stalwart Keith Fisher

People are invited to turn out and show their love for the University Hospital of Hartlepool on Sunday, March 15 at 10am.

Taking place from Seaton Carew clock tower to the hospital in Holdforth Road, it will mark five years since the last march in 2015.

It is also being held in memory of Keith Fisher, one of the original and most outspoken Hartlepool hospital campaigners, who died in August 2018.

Several politicians have already agreed to attend and will be invited to speak at the end of the march being organised by the Fighting for Hartlepool Hospital and Town of Hartlepool Challenge campaign groups.

Glen Hughes, of Fighting for Hartlepool Hospital, said: “With Brexit and the General Election the focus has gone away a little bit from our hospital.

“And with it being almost five years sine the last one we thought a march in March would be a good idea.

“The hospital is more and more needed now than ever with the pressure on A&E, beds and waiting lists.

“We want it to be utilised as much as possible and bring it to people’s attention.

“It is also in memory of our friend Keith Fisher who was the driving force behind the Save Hartlepool Hospital campaign to begin with.”

Politicians who have agreed to attend include Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, Hartlepool MP Mike Hill, Hatlepool Borough Council leader Councillor Shane Moore, and Labour Tees Valley Mayoral candidate Jessie Jo Jacobs.

Keith Fisher’s son Mike will also be there along with Barbara Campbell a nurse and campaigner.

Families are also encouraged to take part and make their own placards and banners.

Glen added: “It’s about our children and their future. What sort of hospital are they going to have when they grow up?

“The response from people online and that I have spoken to has been amazing.”

People who are not able to take part in the full march can join at any point, said Glen.

He added: “We will be looking at other events we can put on to continue the fight.”