Celebrities urge South West to raise funds and a cuppa for NHS Big Tea 75th anniversary special

New research from NHS Charities Together highlights that over a third (43%) of people in the South West think more should be done to celebrate the NHS, the much-loved institution that turns 75 next month. For this milestone anniversary, celebrities Stephen Fry and Mel Giedroyc are calling on South West residents to embrace the British tea party on 5th July and host an NHS Big Tea event to raise funds for local NHS charities. 

Now entering its sixth year, the NHS Big Tea brings the nation together to celebrate the birthday of the NHS and raise funds to provide the extra support needed for staff, patients, and volunteers. All funds raised from the NHS Big Tea contribute to key projects supporting the incredible NHS workforce, the long-term recovery of the NHS following Covid-19, and projects improving care for patients and communities. 

Despite undeniable strains on the health service, it is still regarded with deep affection in the region – 76% of people believe we are lucky to have the NHS, and over half (56%) believe its work is often overlooked. Thankfully there is an appetite amongst residents to bring the tea party back, with over half (56%) of us saying the biggest draw is the chance to spend time with family and friends, and almost a third (30%) enjoy embracing British traditions. Over one in five (24%) just want an excuse for a party. 

 When over 2000 Brits were asked their dream tea party guest from a list of national treasures, the top five were Stephen Fry, David Attenborough, Bob Mortimer, Alison Hammond and Graham Norton. 

Commenting on the news, Stephen Fry said: “While it’s wonderful that people would like me at their tea party it is the NHS that’s a real national treasure – and one that truly deserves celebrating. And as we look forward to marking 75 years of our health service on 5th July, I’d encourage everyone to show some support by hosting an NHS Big Tea party.  

 “We owe so much to our NHS, which still faces untold challenges in the wake of the pandemic, and the NHS Big Tea is the perfect chance to give something back. So please take some time to raise a pot of tea, and some much-needed funds, for the institution that really makes Britain great.”  

Eurovision and former Great British Bake Off presenter, Mel Giedroyc – who is supporting the NHS Big Tea this year and has hinted at a very special upcoming event – said: “As someone who is a dedicated fan of the NHS, I say let the good people of Britain come together on 5th July and eat cake for a cause! One of my career highlights was being up close with baked goods (and Mary Berry) in the Bake-Off tent, and I’m excited to relive those days by doing my bit for the NHS Big Tea – so please watch this space. In the meantime, I urge you to put your baking skills to good use and help our brilliant NHS go further, by raising some dough for NHS charities.” 

Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together said: “The NHS is faced with tremendous ongoing challenges and NHS charities have helped to tackle these difficulties by funding hundreds of projects that provide extra support to staff, patients and communities. By joining the NHS Big Tea, we can all make an incredible contribution to the vital work of NHS charities and help the health service go further for everyone.  

 “Your support provides a crucial difference to the impact we make so we look forward to seeing the nation coming together in July and raising a cuppa to the NHS on its birthday, while raising money in the process. Our research shows people are keen to throw a tea party this summer, so make this your excuse and celebrate an important moment in NHS’ history by making time for two national treasures.” 

 To sign up to host your own NHS Big Tea event and receive a fundraising support pack, please visit www.nhsbigtea.co.uk.