Campaigners have launched an online appeal to raise money for a legal challenge to stop the closure of Huddersfield’s A&E.

#HandsOffHRI has launched an online crowdfunding appeal to raise £30,000 for a legal campaign to derail the Right Care Right Time Right Place plan.

Under the proposal Huddersfield Royal Infirmary will lose its A&E while emergency care is centralised at Calderdale Royal Hospital, Halifax.

There are also proposals to demolish the existing Infirmary and build a smaller hospital on the Acre Mills site.

But campaigners hope flaws, which make the proposal unlawful, can be found to stop the plan.

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The crowdfunding appeal has had over 30 contributions since it went live on May 2.

#HandsOffHRI secretary Natalie Ratcliffe said: “It’s only been live for a day and a half and we’ve already got £300.

“If everyone in Huddersfield donated £1 we would reach our target in no time.”

Campaigner Natalie Ratcliffe of Hands Off HRI
Campaigner Natalie Ratcliffe of Hands Off HRI

The move was inspired by the Keep Wythenshawe Special appeal to prevent the downgrade of Wythenshawe Hospital, near Manchester Airport.

Ms Ratcliffe said: “We set it up because it makes it easier for people to donate.

“Not everyone is mobile. Not everyone has access to our events so we felt that doing a crowdfunding appeal would make it more accessible.

“And if people are making bracelets and other merchandise for the appeal they can donate the money they raise to it.”

The online appeal was launched after law firm Irwin Mitchell agreed to back the campaign.

Yogi Amin, a specialist in public law, will represent the #HandsOffHRI campaign
Yogi Amin, a specialist in public law, will represent the #HandsOffHRI campaign

Public law specialist and Irwin Mitchell partner, Yogi Amin, has agreed to pick holes in Right Care Right Time Right Place.

You can find out more about the campaign and pledge donations by visiting https://fundrazr.com/profiles/hands-off-hri.

Under Right Care Right Time Right Place, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, will be demolished and replaced with a new hospital.

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The new hospital, which will focus on planned care, will have 10 wards and an urgent care centre but crucially, no emergency care centre.

The proposals, which are currently out for consultation, have been met with anger in Huddersfield.

Thousands of people have turned out at public rallies in the town to oppose the plans.