'Stars in their Eyes' presenter backs hospital campaign (From Messenger Newspapers)

Urmston-born Matthew Kelly helped collect signatures in Urmston town centre

10:13am Monday 30th July 2012 in News

ACTOR and presenter Matthew Kelly pledged his allegiance to Trafford General as he helped collect petition signatures in Urmston town centre.

Dozens turned up at Golden Way, Urmston, on Friday to sign the petition backed by the ‘Stars in their Eyes’ presenter.

Having been made official Patron of the Save Trafford General campaign, Matthew donned a campaign ribbon and signed a giant petition, adding to the 9,000 signatures already collected.

The Urmston-born star spoke to the Messenger as he joined in with the campaign chant of ‘no ifs, no buts, no A&E cuts”.

He said: “The campaign to save accident and emergency at Trafford General for me is very personal because I’m from Urmston, I’ve used the hospital, my parents have used the hospital. My Dad used it, my Mum who is now in her 80s still uses it, and all my family still use it.

“It’s a historic place, it’s where the NHS began, where the keys were handed over to Nye Bevan in 1948. We should be proud of our heritage and local people are rightly proud of Trafford General and they want to see it continue to provide care well into the future.

“If this A&E closes down people in this area will feel unsafe because they’ll know that if anything happens they’ll have to go to Wythenshawe or MRI which are miles away.

"It’s not good for the community. It’s not good for the pain and suffering of the people who need these departments.

Matthew Finnegan, chair of the Save Trafford General community group, said: “Today has been a great boost for the campaign. Matthew has shown that he cares about the issue by being here. We are really grateful to Matthew for his support and his commitment.”

Cllr Jo Harding, who is also campaign co-ordinator, said: “Today is to show people that we’re still here despite the consultation having started - we’re not going away.”

To have your say on the future of Trafford General, visit healthdeal.trafford.nhs.uk