Join march to help the hospital, urges mum

Last year her five-year-old son Kieran fell 13ft from a bedroom window onto concrete below and was rushed to the Chichester hospital from his Yapton home.

But doctors and nurses at St Richard's were able to stabilise him before he was transferred to Southampton General Hospital.

Miraculously Kieran, now six, escaped any long- term damage from the fall and is now fully recovered.

But mum, Tanya, of Downview Road, is sure that if her son had needed to travel to Worthing or Portsmouth for emergency treatment then he may not have survived the accident.

She said: "Without a doubt St Richard's saved his life.

"If they hadn't stabilised him before he was taken to Southampton he wouldn't be here today."

She urged people to turn up in their droves for the march to save the hospital this Saturday, which leaves Chichester College at 11am and heads to Priory Park for a short rally.

Observer editor Colin Channon said that stories like Kieran's show why its vital that hopital supporters turn out in their droves to the march.

"This is our last chance to show the decision makers at the primary care trust just how we feel about our hospital. We won't let it be downgraded without a fight."

n Rolling Stones legend Keith Richards will be leading Saturday's march through Chichester.

Richards, who has pledged to join the mass of supporters expected to turn out in force, will be speaking at the rally in Priory Park alongside fellow celebrity Christopher Timothy.

For more reports on the hospital march click here