Campaigners "wear red" plea in support of kids' heart unit

CAMPAIGNERS are urging people to wear red tomorrow to back their battle to save a children’s heart unit.

Members of the Save Our Surgery group want Rotherham folk to show their support by adding some scarlet to their wardrobe for the day.

They are asking people — including schoolchildren and teenagers — to donate £1 to the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, which raises money for the Leeds General Infirmary unit — the only dedicated facility of its kind in Yorkshire.

The unit is under threat and was the subject of a two-day court hearing this week as health bosses want to axe it following a nationwide review.

Campaigners hope their Wear Red Day will bring in vital funds and help raise awareness of the heart unit’s work.

Rotherham mum Cassie Symms, whose son Zander was treated in Leeds, said: “We are delighted that so many schools are backing the campaign.

“Those taking part will make a small donation in order to wear an item of red clothing at their school or workplace.

“The more red they wear the better.”

You can find our more and donate at www.saveoursurgery.net/wear-red-day-1.