Judges refused to put back the hearing in order to give hospital campaigners more time to raise funds to meet potential legal costs.

The case will go ahead tomorrow (Thursday) and is expected to last for one-and-a-half days.

Last week The Gazette launched a campaign to raise £40,000 to cover the costs campaigners could face if the review fails.

A massive public response has already seen around £12,000 flood in to help the good cause but more is still needed.

The cash will only be used if the review fails to cover legal costs - if successful all of the money will be returned to donors.

Dacorum Hospital Action Group (DHAG) chairman Zena Bullmore, who would personally be liable for up to £100,000 if the challenge is unsuccessful, said: "I'm very grateful for the way the money is pouring in.

"I hope we shall win the judicial review and then we will have great pleasure in returning the cheques.

"It is wonderful and we hope the money will go on coming in at the same rate. Small or big, all donations are welcome.

"Some people are so optimistic that they have enclosed stamped addressed envelopes for their money to be sent back and I hope they are right."

The is the last lifeline to try to force a rethink on plans to strip the town of vital hospital services.

The judicial review, which is being backed by Dacorum Borough Council, covers the decision taken by West Herts Hospitals Trust to shift services out of the town despite a public consultation that showed 82 per cent of people wanted them to stay.

Lawyers say the results of the consultation were not properly considered and the results of a citizens' jury were misrepresented.

Last week lawyers were told that it was not in the public interest to postpone the hearing.

Rosa Curling, from London-based law firm Leigh Day and Co, said: "They didn't think it was in the public interest because it is costing the trust money.

"Any money the public could give would be fantastic."

Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning has pledged to give a day's wages to the cause.

He will give around £220 to help the fund and is urging others to give as much as they can.

He said: "It's not a case of me saying people should donate a day's wages.

"People should just give what they can afford because it will go to a very good cause.

"The sooner people get the money to us the better."

In March this year DHAG won a preliminary victory when a judge ruled they had 'arguable' grounds to challenge the trust, opening the way for a full judicial review.

But on Tuesday, May 15, Mr Justice Lloyd-Jones refused to make a 'protective costs order' with the result DHAG would be liable for crippling legal costs if they lost.

That decision has been upheld by an Appeal Court judge.

Mrs Bullmore is remaining positive about the case.

She said: "I'm a natural optimist. A lot depends on the judge but we have got a very, very good case as our local community knows."



Those who have helped appeal

Dacorum Hospital Action Group (DHAG) had already raised £20,000, prior to last week's appeal to raise additional money to cover the legal costs should the judicial review fail.

Lawyers acting for the group on a no win, no fee basis, said a further £40,000 is needed.

DHAG chairman Zena Bullmore said: "DHAG is most appreciative of the donations sent in the early stages of our application for a judicial review.

"Many donors wished to remain anonymous but some did agree to publicity."

Here is a list of some of the people who have already contributed to the fighting fund.

Aldbury Parish Council, Apsley Community Centre, Britannia Wardrobes Ltd, J.A. Baldwin, G&M Baulch, D. Baxter, L. Bayer, Berkhamsted Town Council, A&H Boddy, Boxmoor Women's Institute, A. Briggs.

Cameo Ladies Club, Chipperfield Baptist Church, Communication Workers Union S. Central, Connells, R&V Corbett, Dacorum Borough Council, Direct Services DSG plc, Gadebridge Valley JMI, Gadebridge Evening Townswomen's Guild, Hemel Hempstead Club.

Highfield Community Centre, M. Horner, P. Jones, P. Kearney, M. Kharmis, E&N Kosmala, W.J. Lear, K. Long, Mansbridge Bakers, Mr & Mrs Marin, McDonalds staff, Mr & Mrs Morton.

Northchurch Parish Council, old people of Farm Place, Park Resorts Hemel, H. Pearce. P&J Community Dept Service, J.B. Platt, Royal British Legion Club, M.J. Ruddlestone, Shaftesbury Court Amenity Fund, Society of Friends Hemel, T. Swindell, B&G Taylor, Unison Hatfield University Branch

To donate to the fund, send cheques made payable to 'Dacorum Hospital Action Group' to Zena Bullmore at 42 Crouchfield, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1PA.

Please include your contact details so any funds that are not needed or used can be returned.
For more information contact Mrs Bullmore on 01442 259437.