Surrey and East Hampshire urged to "raise a cuppa" to NHS and raise funds on its 73rd birthday
The Royal Surrey Hospital and South East Coast Ambulance Service are taking part
People across Surrey and East Hampshire are being urged to show their appreciation for the NHS and raise funds to celebrate the health service on its 73rd anniversary.
Guildford's Royal Surrey, and the South East Coast Ambulance Service, are among those taking part in Big Tea events today.
The Royal Surrey is asking people to get involved by hosting their own Big Teas and raise funds for NHS charities, after what they hospital describes as "a year like no other..."
They say events can be in-person or virtual, with friends, family and colleagues, in the form of traditional tea parties or cake sales, as a chance to reflect and say thank you to the NHS.
Or supporters are encouraged to take their own five minute tea break and raise a cuppa to the health service.
Sue Sjuve, Royal Surrey's Chair, said: "Covid-19 has had a huge impact on all of our lives and I have been so proud of the way my colleagues have adapted to the challenges they have faced over the last 12 months. They have worked tirelessly from minute to minute, hour by hour to save and rebuild lives.
"We could not have done this without the support, kindness and generosity of our local community.
"We are once again inviting you to show your support by raising a cup to our Royal Surrey heroes on July 5, by hosting your own tea party, cake sale or fundraising event. This will raise vital funds to ensure that we continue to support our frontline staff and transform care for those who need it."
The Royal Surrey Charity supports the work of the Royal Surrey (Guildford), Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh Hospitals.
To find out more go to www.rschcharity.org.uk for more information.
Find out more about taking part in the NHS Big Tea here
Pay in your donations either online at Pay in your Fundraising or contact the fundraising office on 01483 464146 to pay by card over the phone by card or send a cheque made payable to: Royal Surrey Charity, Egerton Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XX with a small note saying that you have taken part in the NHS Big Tea.
Meanwhile South East Coast Ambulance Service has added its voice asking people to take part.
The SECAmb Charitable Fund regularly receives donations and legacies from patients and members of the public which enables it to provide additional support to staff.
Amongst other things, the charity has recently:
Supported the running of welfare vehicles, to provide additional support to staff during the pandemic
Funded kit for the newly-formed SECAmb rugby team
Provided specialist hearing aids to assist an employee
Helped to provide a memorial stone for a colleague who sadly died.
SECAmb has also received funding support from NHS Charities Together, which, amongst things, was used to fund:
Coffee machines & table tennis sets on ambulance stations
Thermal cups and bottles for staff
Garden furniture, landscaping services, plants and gardening tools
As well as donating to NHS Charities Together, you can donate to SECAmb's charity here - https://www.secamb.nhs.uk/contact-us/making-a-donation/