CAMPAIGNERS in Berkeley have launched a passionate plea this week for people to "protest or lose Berkeley Hospital forever."

The hospital's League of Friends say members of the public must make a final push this weekend before Gloucestershire health chiefs close the consultation process on Monday.

The group is urging people to join them on a march through Berkeley tomorrow and air their views before it is too late.

Its secretary, Barbara Whitwam-Davis, whose first husband Clive Whitwam received care at Berkeley Hospital before he died of cancer in 1990, told the Gazette the League of Friends were delighted with the public response at the Berkeley Show.

She said: "We had a stall at the show and got two hundred people to sign the letters of protest we had taken with us. In fact we only took 100 along - so had to go and get more.

"We spoke to people from throughout the county and they seemed really angry about it all. Most feel that the decision has already been made and Gloucestershire NHS know what they want to do."

Mrs Whitwam-Davis said that visitors to the stall had also expressed concern about the site of a potential new facility in Dursley.

She said: "Our biggest hope, of course, is that they develop Berkeley rather than build a new facility in Dursley.

"If the decision does go that way though, for goodness sake make sure it's more accessible than Littlecombe.

"I live in Coaley and should think it's great, but I'm sure it would be easier to get to Berkeley Hospital."

Tomorrow's march will see people walk through Berkeley in support of the much-loved hospital, mirroring others taking part throughout Gloucestershire.

It will be a final chance for people to express their feelings before Monday's deadline and the group says people must act now.

Mrs Whitwam-Davis added: "When my first husband died the care he received was amazing.

"This is the second time we have had to fight for Berkeley Hospital and the hardest - it really is the final push.

"Whether you were born there, had a baby there or had an operation there you must fight to save it."

People interested in joining the march should meet at Berkley Hospital at 11am. Alternatively, people can send last-minute objections to the Consultation Administration, Cheltenham and District PCT, Unit 43, Arle Road, Cheltenham, GL51 8LX