MID Cheshire Hospitals charity set to launch ‘Big 7Tea’ to celebrate 70 years of the NHS.

The charity is asking communities to take part by throwing their own tea party and inviting family, friends and colleagues to join and mark the occasion on Thursday, July 5.

The initiative is not only about raising awareness for the NHS but also to help fundraise for the ‘Everybody Knows Somebody’ £1.5 million dementia appeal.

The cup of tea has a long association with the NHS. Originally served to patients in traditional cups with saucers and side spoon, tea was considered an important aspect of patient satisfaction and recovery.

Emma Robertson, MCH charity manager said: “We are very excited to be part of this nationwide project to involve local communities in supporting their NHS Charities.

“We believe charity plays an important role within the NHS, not only do we fund state-of-the-art equipment, comforts and all the added extras which help make our hospitals better.

“We also provide a vital service to the thousands of people who want to say thank you to the staff, wards, departments and community services which care for them and their loved ones every day.

“We know that there is lots of great support for our hospitals within our local area, so we would love to hear from anyone who would like to join us in celebrating this milestone year for the NHS, whilst raising funds for our ‘Everybody Knows Somebody’ Dementia Appeal.”

Tracy Bullock, chief executive of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust added: “We are always overwhelmed by the support from the local community and wouldn’t be able to offer the level of care we do without our charity and the generous individuals, families and businesses that fundraise for it.

“The NHS’ 70th birthday offers us the perfect opportunity to celebrate the NHS and all those who have made it the loved institution it is today.

“We’d therefore like to invite everyone to join us in marking the occasion.”