X FACTOR star Stacey Solomon has become the latest celebrity to back the campaign to save the children's ward at Paisley's Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Stacey, who was in Paisley at the weekend to switch on the town's Christmas lights, has joined local-boy turned Hollywood hero Gerard Butler, in supporting the campaign.

She sent a message of support to the Kids Need Our Ward campaign and said: "I wish all the mums and supporters of the KNOW campaign all the luck in the world with keeping Ward 15 open. I really hope you're successful in your campaign."

Stacey's support comes as more than 1000 people put their name to a petition calling on NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde not to close the ward, which is currently the subject of a review by health bosses.

John Kelly, chairman of KNOW, said: " It gives us a tremendous boost for folk like Stacey to put themselves forward and wish us well.

"For us, she will forever not be simply a stunning diva, but a reminder that this can be a wonderful world."

And Sandra Webster, a Paisley mum-of-two who's children regularly use the ward, said: "I just think it is wonderful that people like Stacey can take time out from her busy schedule to even think about the issues here.

"Probably she is speaking as concerned mother. As a mum herself, I am sure she knows the problems a mother encounters when a child is sick. I speak for all affected mums when I say thanks Stacey."

Last month, Hollywood star Gerard Butler also backed the campaign and sent a message of support to KNOW.

The Hollywood star of 'Law Abiding Citizen' and '300' told the Evening Times that the closure of the ward would be a "blow that Paisley can do without."

A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: "No final decisions have been taken about whether to consult on a potential move of this service.

"If it is decided that there is a case for change following this review then there will be full public consultation when all views and comments will be considered, including those gathered at Saturday's event, before any final decision is reached."

Morton footballer Paul Di Giacomo also pledged his support, saying: "Knowing this first-class ward is there gives peace of mind to all Renfrewshire and Inverclyde and even Ayrshire families, mums, dads and grandparents."

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk

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