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Dr Hilary helps launch NHS Big 7Tea charity fundraiser

12:00am | & Health

Acorn Stairlifts’ longstanding Medical Advisor Dr Hilary Jones is backing a national campaign encouraging everyone to join in celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the NHS.

They can do so by staging an ‘NHS Big 7Tea’ event on or around July 5th – the date on which the NHS began operating in 1948. As well as being an opportunity to celebrate seven decades of the NHS, the ‘Big 7Tea’ events held up and down the country will also raise funds for local NHS charities.

In recent years NHS charities have funded major capital projects, pioneering research and medical equipment at our hospitals that could not and should not be funded by the NHS. Across the UK they help patients access the best possible care when they need it most. They also play a key role in mobilising volunteers to support NHS staff, brightening wards and waiting areas with colourful and engaging art, and building an important link between our hospitals and communities.

The NHS Big 7Tea will raise awareness of the vital work of these charities and let the public know how to support them. Individuals, groups and organisations are being urged to host their own NHS Big 7Tea events to support the vital work of these NHS charities and show their appreciation of it. The fundraising effort has been launched at the start of a 70-day countdown to the actual 70th anniversary on July 5th.

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 spoons as a means of hydration, tea was considered such an important aspect of patient satisfaction that one hospital is rumoured to have even hired an official tea taster.

Backing the national fundraising initiative, Dr Hilary Jones said: “My father was a GP so the NHS has always been a significant part of my life. The NHS also saved the life of my premature twins. It has made a huge difference to the health of the nation, so initiatives like the NHS Big 7Tea are a wonderful way for people up and down the country to give back.”

Ian Lush, of NHS charity Imperial Health Charity, added: “Tea is so synonymous with the NHS we couldn’t think of a better way for the nation to toast our wonderful health service and its staff, whilst raising funds for NHS charities. Whether it’s traditional builders or a fruity rooibos, we want everyone to dust off the old china, rally friends, family, and work colleagues and come together to raise a cuppa and mark this special occasion – 70 deserves celebrating.

“We’re thrilled to bring our great national pastime and great National Health Service together to raise vital funds to maintain the work of NHS charities around the UK.”

Professor Jane Cummings, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “NHS charities raise money and provide vital volunteers to support patient care. By hosting a tea party or volunteering for a local hospital, we can express support for the values and traditions of the NHS, which cares for over a million people every 24 hours.”

To find out how to get involved and host your own NHS Big 7Tea party, click here to visit the dedicated Big 7Tea website and download a free fundraising pack. Dr Hilary is pictured (seated, centre) with others at the launch of the NHS Big 7Tea initiative.

● A familiar and trusted face to millions of TV viewers, Dr Hilary Jones has been Medical Advisor to Acorn Stairlifts almost since the company began in 1992. His professional expertise has helped us develop and refine our products to best meet the needs of people who need a home stairlift to help them cope with a variety of medical conditions. To request an Acorn Stairlifts brochure, including Dr Hilary's DVD Guide to Buying a Stairlift, call us today on 0800 016 9760 or click here.

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