Serious illness, a lost loved one or simply a social conscience are the reasons why people have taken leading roles in a campaign to save Huddersfield’s A&E.

Today we meet those heading up #HandsOffHRI’s local area committees and find out why they took their roll in the campaign to the next level.

First is Helen Robinson of the Golcar , Longwood, Milnsbridge , Bolster Moor, Scapegoat Hill area committee.

Helen said: “I joined because I have 15 major illnesses – one life threatening – and every time I visited Halifax for appointments it costs me dearly. Unless I drive I have no way of getting there I cannot use wheelchair on shuttle bus.

“I do not want others to have same problem in future.

“We were given the NHS to look after people of this country – why should anyone take it away from us? We have paid our contributions towards it.”

#HandsOffHRI area group leaders: Helen Robinson

Nikki Gott, from the Mirfield committee, got involved in memory of her mother.

She said: “I decided to become involved in memory of my mum who had a variety of illness in her lifetime.

“I know how important it is to have full services available especially with the pending closure of Dewsbury services which will impact on local residents and Pinderfields hospital which is already stretched with the limited services now available at Pontefract Hospital.”

Denby Dale, Kirkburton , Shelley, Shepley and Flockton committee leader Chris Owen’s opposition to the privatisation of NHS services spurred him into action.

He said: “I feel that the NHS is slowly and secretly being privatised so we need to fight to save it.”

Debbie Siswick, of Holmfirth, Honley, New Mil and Brockholes committee, wants to stand up for children and disabled people.

She said: “What keeps me motivated is that people will die unnecessarily if we do not continue to fight, especially the vulnerable groups in society.”

Nicola Jowett, from Newsome , Ashenhurst, Lockwood and Lowerhouses committee, said: “I joined the campaign because I don’t want my children’s lives to be put at risk to save money, they’re far too precious.”

#HandsOffHRI area group leaders: Nicola Jowett

Kaz Taylor, of Deighton, Ashbrow, Brackenhall, Sheepridge, Bradley, Fartown and Fixby committee, said: “I was very angry when I read what they were proposing to do.

“I am motivated by the amount of people who came together to fight this and we will continue to fight and win this.”

#HandsOffHRI area group leaders: Kaz Taylor

Jonathan Evans, of Dalton and Kirkheaton committee, is similarly confident in the campaign.

He said: “It goes from strength to strength.”

#HandsOffHRI area group leaders: Jonathan Evans

#HandsOffHRI also has area committees for Lindley ; Meltham, Helme, Netherton, South Crosland, Armitage Bridge; Almondbury , Lepton and Waterloo; and the Upper Colne Valley.

For more information about your local #HandsOffHRI committee visit: handsoffhri.org or search ‘Let’s Save Huddersfield A&E’ on Facebook.

Under the Right Care Right Time Right Place proposal emergency care would be centralised at CRH.

The current 400-bed HRI would be demolished and replaced with a 120-bed hospital on the Acre Mill site.

The new Huddersfield hospital will include an urgent care centre but no A&E.