A MINUTE’S silence in honour of staunch health campaigner and fund-raiser Peggy Wood will be held during the hospital services rally on Saturday.

The silence at the Save Maidstone Hospital Services Rally is seen as a fitting tribute to Mrs Wood, 81, who died on Sunday.

Despite her ailing health, she had been adamant she would attend the event and only last week had written to hospital bosses expressing concerns about current proposals for local health services.

Mrs Wood had devoted the last 20 years to raising some £3.5million for health services and equipment at Maidstone Hospital. The breast cancer care centre there is also named after her.

Her carer, friend and chairman of the Peggy Wood Foundation, Bryn Annis, who had planned to accompany her to the rally, said: "It is a lovely tribute to Peg and I think it’s a lovely idea. You cannot really put a price on what she’s done over the years.

"The week before she died we put the hospital to rights - she opposed changes to Maidstone Hospital and was worried about the 'golden hour', which is critical for patients. She was worried that 20 minutes of that time could be lost taking patients to Tunbridge Wells or Pembury."

Hundreds are expected at the rally, organised by the Kent Messenger and Downs Mail, at 11am in Mote Park, Maidstone.

The event, which will last 30 minutes, will give people the chance to express their feelings about the need for keeping services, including maternity and orthopaedic and emergency operations, at Maidstone Hospital.

A short statement will be read out and put to a vote. We are publishing that statement today for our readers who are unable to attend.

Limited parking will be available at the park, entry via the main gates off Mote Avenue.