Star-studded campaign spotlights vital need for NHS charities ahead of health service’s 77th birthday

Celebrities including Star Wars actor Daisy Ridley, Stephen Fry and Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo) are championing our latest campaign to mark the NHS’ 77th birthday – spotlighting the difference NHS charities make for patients, staff and communities every day.
Actor Daisy Ridley said:
“Last year my mum sustained a traumatic brain injury. It was a really difficult time for our family and the care, support and dedication that we had from NHS staff was outstanding. Giving to NHS charities is a way to say thank you to the staff who care for us.”
The research
The campaign is backed by new research that shows rapidly increasing demand from NHS Trusts for the extra support that NHS charities can provide, with 77% of NHS charities saying they are being asked to fund things they weren’t previously, and 71% believing demand for their services has reached unprecedented levels.
The research shows the biggest increases in demand are for extra wellbeing support for the hardworking health workforce (87%) and to improve outdated healthcare environments (77%).
Speaking about why this support is so needed, Celebrity Doctor Emily MacDonagh, said:
“The care that NHS charities provide to my colleagues across the NHS make a big difference. Our jobs are incredibly challenging, and we need somewhere to turn when burnout takes over. Counselling, wellbeing spaces and mental health support funded by NHS charities help NHS staff keep going when it feels impossible.”
TV personality and campaigner Tasha Ghouri added:
“Growing up I had frequent trips to hospitals and doctors supporting me. Making wards and equipment more kid friendly and providing specialist audiology services are just a few of the services NHS charities fund, helping the next generation have a positive healthcare experience.”
The impact
There are over 230 local and specialist NHS charities across the UK, supporting hospitals, ambulance trusts, mental health trusts and community health services. However, 96% of NHS charities feel the public is unaware of how they help the NHS. This includes supporting staff, improving buildings and facilities, funding lifesaving first responder volunteers, and so much more.
Ellie Orton OBE, CEO of NHS Charities Together, said:
“NHS charities are a bridge between what the NHS can provide, and what families and communities need. Together we make a difference, providing over £1.5 million of extra funding for the NHS every day. This includes funding for revolutionary new equipment, creating green outdoor spaces, improving mental health and wellbeing, volunteer first responders working with the ambulance services and much more.
“The reality is that right now patients aren’t always getting the help they need, but if we want the best possible healthcare for everyone, we all need to play a part. The NHS can’t possibly tackle the huge challenges facing healthcare alone, and it shouldn’t. That’s why the role of NHS charities is vital and demand for the support we can provide is increasing.”
“We know that many people want to give back after receiving NHS care, or to provide hope of lasting change for others who are facing personal struggles. We are so grateful to everyone who supports NHS staff and patients through volunteering, donating and fundraising. A huge thank you to all the celebrities who’ve lent their voices to this campaign, which we hope will inspire more people to get behind their local NHS charity.”
The film
A host of other well-known names are taking part in the campaign, including Amy Dowden, Anita Harris and Dr Shani Dhanda, with each of them sharing their own personal connection to the vital work of NHS charities in a short film called ‘The Difference Is...’.
Actor, presenter and writer Stephen Fry said:
“It’s thanks to the work of NHS charities that there is continued added support in communities all over the UK to help those who have experienced a mental health crisis – it’s a pleasure to support NHS Charities Together’s birthday campaign which I hope will help in continuing to raise awareness of this vital work.”
Magician Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo) said:
“The support I’ve had from the NHS through my treatment for Crohn’s disease is the difference in allowing me to do what I love. We are so lucky that we have the NHS and the added funding from NHS Charities Together means more people in the most deprived communities have the chance to live healthier, brighter lives.”
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References
*NHS Charities Together conducted a poll of NHS charities. Total sample size was 52 NHS charities across England, Scotland and Wales. Fieldwork was undertaken between 6th – 23rd May 2025. The survey was carried out online.
**NHS Charities Together Financial Comparison Survey for year-end April 2024
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