NHS campaigner winds down group for sake of own health

Mark Branagan

A HEALTH campaigner who has been a thorn in the side of NHS bosses for eight years is stepping down for health reasons and dismantling his pressure group.

Mick Pilling has been a leading light in the battle to defence patient services in the East Riding and run the Save Bridlington Hospital Campaign Action Group, which he set up with his wife and friends in October 2002.

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But now he has announced he is to disband the group and bowing out of a fight which has involved thousands of people across the district.

Mr Pilling, from Bridlington said: “It is with deep regret I have to resign and finish my campaigning, with the Save Bridlington Hospital Campaign Action Group.

He said he had met many nice people from all walks of life and received awards,adding: “But my health suffers and I must put that first.

“It as been a real pleasure to have served my town voluntary to fight for fairness in the health service for all, many thanks to all who have supported me, You are all heroes.”

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Mr Pilling, who was chairman of the group, added: “I hope someone will come and take over and continue to fight for Bridlington Hospital.”

Mr Pilling served in the Royal Corp of Transport for five years from 1964 to 1969, seeing active Service in the Middle East in Aden in 1966.

As a keen sportsman he took part in boxing, weight training, running, un-armed combat, shooting, fresh-water fishing and sea fishing.

After leaving the army he worked in the building trade until illness forced him to leave his home town of Bradford and move to Bridlington. But early retirement gave him the time to set up his own NHS protest group and website,

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He spent hundreds of hours promoting the Save Bridlington Hospital group. His petition attracted 39,000 signatures, 7,000 marched to back the campaign against the removal of services, and he appeared on the BBC Politics Show to argue the town’s case.

Even though changes eventually saw more patients having to travel to Scarborough, Mr Pilling became a local hero.

In 2008, Mr Pilling was presented with a plaque by Bridlington Town Council in recognition of his achievements.