CAMPAIGNERS battling to save Lewisham Hospital's A&E and maternity services now have enough money for their legal fight.

The Save Lewisham Hospital had already raised thousands through community fundraising and help from Millwall but now pressure group 38 Degrees have also chipped in to push them past their £20,000 target.

That money will be used for a Judicial Review next month against Heath Secretary Jeremy Hunt's decision to downgrade Lewisham services following the collapse of neighbouring South London Healthcare Trust.

Chair of the Save Lewisham Hospital campaign Dr Louise Irvine said: "Thanks to the generosity of thousands of 38 Degrees members, and individual donations from Lewisham people and campaign supporters, we're now able to take Jeremy Hunt to court over his decision to slash Lewisham hospital - a decision he made against the advice of experts, local residents, and practitioners.

"It’s great that we can now focus with our legal team on bringing the best case possible - rather than worrying about whether we can afford the funds for our legal costs.

"Thank you all for your support - whether you marched on the streets of Lewisham, signed the petition, or donated money towards our legal fund."

Any extra money raised will go towards things like publicity, materials and events.

Scores of pubs across the area are helping the cause by donating money from forthcoming quizzes, while schools like Rathfern in Catford raised cash by dressing as doctors and nurses

To find out more visit savelewishamhospital.com

Lewisham Council is also raising money for its own legal bid. Visit the council website to donate.