To mark 70 days until the NHS turns 70, local NHS charities across the UK are asking local people to raise a cuppa for the NHS Big 7Tea on 5^th July.

The NHS Big 7Tea is a chance for people to celebrate 70 years of the NHS, recognise the hard work and commitment of staff past and present and raise money for 250 NHS charities by hosting tea parties up and down the country.

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 our communities.

The NHS Big 7Tea will raise awareness of the vital work of these charities and let the public know how to support them.

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.

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.”

David Welch, CEO of the Leeds Hospital Charitable Foundation said: “The NHS Big 7Tea is a fantastic opportunity to both celebrate the work of the NHS and get together with friends to raise a bit of money. NHS charities work so hard to go the extra mile and try and make excellent healthcare really exceptional. Here in Leeds we support lots of amazing appeals and have some brilliant volunteers who give up their time to help patients. We’re now encouraging all our NHS staff, patients & the public to get behind the Big 7Tea campaign and raise a cuppa to both celebrate & support the NHS in the Leeds area”.

Rob Webster, Trustee of EyUp! and Chief Executive of South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: “Bringing everyone together for a chat over a cuppa is the perfect way to celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS. Toasting the staff and volunteers of the NHS through mashing a brew and raising valuable money for its charities is a great way for us all to mark this tremendous occasion.

“Here at EyUp! we are supporting the health and happiness of Yorkshire folk by providing those healthcare extras that are not normally funded by the NHS directly. This includes sport, art and leisure pursuits that bring hope and meaning to many. Our innovative Creative Minds partnership, Spirit in Mind and the Mental Health Museum in Wakefield support thousands every year to improve their health and wellbeing. Money raised through the Big7Tea, for us and other charities, could make a positive difference to the lives of thousands more.

“So get the kettle on, bake those cakes and get everyone together over a proper cuppa.”

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 1 million people every 24 hours.”

To find out how to host an NHS Big 7Tea party, download a free pack at www.nhsbig7tea.co.uk.