The NHS will celebrate its 70th birthday on July 5 and, to celebrate, we’re asking the people of Bradford and beyond to raise a cuppa to our wonderful health service!
The NHS Big7Tea offers a chance for people around the country to come together and toast 70 years of free healthcare.
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (BTHFT) will be celebrating the occasion with a special tea party for people who were born in July 1948. Old photos and memorabilia will also be on display.
And Bradford Hospitals’ Charity – the official charity of BTHFT – wants to roll out the celebrations beyond its hospitals, by encouraging the public to hold their own tea parties. It is urging community groups, schools, libraries, GP surgeries, or even groups of friends to get baking and enjoy a brew at their very own NHS Big 7Tea party. Why not raise a toast to the wonderful NHS while raising money for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity!
The humble cup of tea has a long and proud association with the NHS. Originally served to patients in traditional fine cups with saucers and side spoon, tea was considered an important aspect of patient satisfaction and recovery.
Hayley Collis, Head of Fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, said: “Tea brings us together! It breaks down boundaries and is a symbol of comfort and community.
Momentous occasion
“Whether you decide to have a traditional tea party and bake some delicious treats, or simply get together for a cuppa and a natter with friends, we would be extremely grateful if you celebrated this momentous occasion by supporting Bradford Hospitals’ Charity.
“We also hope the NHS Big 7Tea will help us spread the word about what Bradford Hospitals’ Charity does and how you can get involved.”
Bradford Hospitals’ Charity is one of more than 250 NHS charities based around the UK. It supports the strategic direction of BTHFT by funding projects which go over and above what the NHS provides. The charity aims to provide #OnlyTheBestForBradford!
Last year, a new £28million wing opened at Bradford Royal Infirmary, part of a £75m investment to improve patient care across our hospitals. It provides world-class facilities for the elderly, children and a brand new intensive care unit. Bradford Hospitals’ Charity donations enabled the Trust to create family friendly environments, and provide state-of-the-art equipment and innovative distraction toys and games for young people.
With the support of Bradford Hospitals’ Charity, BTHFT also paid for more cots, including intensive care and high dependency cots, new family accommodation, a revamped counselling suite and a dedicated room for mothers to express milk for pre-term babies when the new Neonatal Unit opened in 2015.
To join in the fun and take part in the NHS Big 7Tea, please email charity@bthft.nhs.uk to request a fundraising pack.