David Cameron is forcing through the biggest re-organisation in the history of the NHS. As I’ve previously written this reckless and risky reorganisation is unnecessary, unwanted and damaging.

Thousands of patients and NHS staff have already called on the Government to drop its Health Bill, but David Cameron is ploughing on regardless, ignoring public and professional opinion. After trying to work with Ministers to positively change the Government’s plans, the Royal College of Nurses and the Royal College of Midwives have now joined the British Medical association in demanding the Government drops its reckless Bill.

We need everyone who thinks the Government is putting our precious NHS at risk to join our ‘Drop the Bill’ campaign.  That’s why on Thursday, 19 January, I was joined by my shadow health team colleagues, including Shadow Health Secretary, Andy Burnham MP, at a rally in the Brite Centre in Braunstone. A the meeting we heard from patients who depend on the NHS, including a man who receives kidney dialysis on a regular basis and a mother of a disabled child for whom the NHS is a lifeline.

It’s for these people and thousands more like them that Labour is calling on the Government to drop their Health and Social Care Bill. I’d urge you to consider doing the same by signing our petition, which can be found here.

On Friday, I met staff working for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA), including Andy Williamson, the Chief Executive.

The DLRAA is a charity that works closely with the NHS to provide a vital emergency service, which often means the difference between life and death for many of its patients. Whether someone has had a stroke, a heart attack or a serious road accident, the Air Ambulance is able to reach them, even in the most remote of locations. After providing medical care at the scene, the Air Ambulance is then able to transport the patient to the most appropriate care, even if this means travelling miles to access specialist treatment.

The highlight of my visit was meeting Captain Dan Martin and Dr Kumar as they arrived back from an incident. I got to hear at first hand how they came to the rescue of a patient in dire need of emergency assistance.  These really are our flying heroes.

Christmas is a special time, particularly for children. But I also know this time of year can bring added pressure and stress.

Many families in Leicester West are struggling to make ends meet and worrying about how they are going to find enough money to give their children even the most basic of gifts.

That’s why I’m supporting Toys on the Table a charity which seeks to provide toys and gifts at Christmas for children in the Leicester and Leicestershire area, who might otherwise not receive anything.

This year’s appeal hopes to collect 8,000 donated toys, which will be distributed to 4,000 disadvantaged children. On Friday, I visited the appeal’s head quarters and did my small bit to support the 15 volunteers who were very busy sorting and wrapping presents. You can see what the Leicester Mercury had to say about my visit by clicking here. If you can spare some of your time or are able to donate a gift, I’d urge you to support this very worthwhile cause. You can find out more information by clicking here.

Bethany Mickleburgh, a brave 14 year old in my constituency who is fighting leukaemia, desperately needs a bone marrow transplant. On Saturday, I joined nearly 2000 people at the Tigers Stadium in registering as potential blood stem cell donors. In true Leicester fashion, we broke the record for the number of people joining the register in a single event, getting twice as many people to sign up in one day as the previous record .

Bethany’s family, friends and their team of supporters, have run an incredible campaign to raise awareness about this crucial issue and to encourage people to join the register. But we still desperately need more people to sign up. Right now, a matching donor can only be found for around half of the people who need a lifesaving transplant. Joining the register is simple – all you have to do is fill out a quick form and spit in a cup.

So please, join the register by clicking here. And if you’d like to get more involved and support Bethany’s campaign, please get in touch with me.