Thousands of protesters braved the rain on Saturday to demonstrate against the planned closure of Lewisham A&E and maternity units.

Despite the bad weather conditions, it has been estimated that nearly
 15,000 people attended the rally and spirits remained high all
 afternoon.

The demonstration, organised by the Save Lewisham Hospital campaign, started at Loampit Vale roundabout at 2pm and arrived at Lewisham hospital at 3pm where protesters encircled the building.

Speaking at the rally, Eve Turner, secretary of Ealing Trades Union Council, said: “We need to stand together because united we can defeat all the cuts they’re trying to make to our NHS.

“Our NHS has never been under threat the way it is now and we need to fight and defend it.”

Saturday’s event is the latest message to Matthew Kershaw, special trust administrator, who proposed the closure to save money for the South London Healthcare Trust.

The Office of the Trust Special Administrator recommends closing the units to reduce the South London Healthcare NHS Trust’s debt. The Trust overspent by £65 million in 2012.

See below for a media round up of the day’s events.