Today, to mark 70 days until the NHS turns 70, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) asks Norfolk and Suffolk to raise a cuppa and celebrate our wonderful health service.

The NHS Big7Tea will be a chance for people up and down the country to come together and toast 70 years of the NHS on Thursday 5th July.

Host your own tea party and invite friends, family and colleagues along to mark the occasion and support the vital work of NHS charities.

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

Tens of thousands of patients enjoy tea in NHS hospitals across our region and in clinics and GP surgeries every day. Tea brings us all together. It breaks down social boundaries, and like and like the NHS and NHS charities, is a symbol of comfort and community.

Louise Cook, N&N Hospitals Charity Fundraising Manager, said: “Just think of all the times each day we sit down with family, friends and colleagues for a cuppa.

“Well this is a fantastic chance to get together, celebrate our wonderful NHS and the hard work being done every day in our hospitals.

“So please, bring your best china and have a cuppa for us, raising money for the N&N Hospitals Charity and help us do even more for staff, patients and their families.”

There are more than 250 NHS charities across the UK. Most of them focus on helping our hospitals do more, whilst others support mental health trusts, community health trusts and ambulance trusts.

In recent years NHS charities have funded major capital projects, pioneering research and medical equipment in hospitals, helping 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 NHS charities and let the public know how to support them, for instance by making a donation or offering to volunteer.

If you would like to host your own tea party and celebrate 70 years of the NHS and raise vital funds for charity, download your free NHS Big 7Tea pack at www.nhsbig7tea.co.uk

N&N Hospitals Charity is part of NHS Charities Together, a group of more than 70 NHS charities, which have come together to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the NHS and raise awareness of the work that NHS charities do by launching the NHS Big 7Tea.