Celebrities Stephen Fry and Mel Giedroyc are calling on the public to embrace the British tea party ahead of the NHS’ 75th anniversary on 5th July, by hosting an NHS Big Tea event to raise funds for NHS charities. As new research1 highlights that over a third of Brits (37%) think more should be done to celebrate the NHS, we’re hopeful this year’s event will be the biggest yet.
When over 2000 Brits were asked their ultimate 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.”
Now entering its sixth year, the NHS Big Tea brings the nation together to celebrate the milestone 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.
While there are undeniable strains on the health service, it is still regarded with deep affection – 68% believe we are lucky to have the NHS, and almost half (49%) believe its work is often overlooked. Thankfully there is an appetite amongst Brits to bring the tea party back, with half of us (50%) saying the biggest draw is the chance to spend time with family and friends, and a third believing it’s about bringing together people of all age groups. One in five of us (21%) just want an excuse for a party.
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.”
Great British Bake Off finalist Alice Fevronia, said:
“I’m very grateful for the NHS, as its services have helped me on so many occasions. However, I also see the stresses and strains behind the scenes, as my partner is a paediatrician in the NHS, and both my parents were NHS dentists for nearly 40 years, so I know how important it is for them to feel supported. I will be baking my heart out for the NHS Big Tea, and I ask you all to join me in helping raise some vital money to help NHS staff go that much further.”
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.”
Morrisons and PG Tips proudly continue as sponsors of the NHS Big Tea. Headline sponsor Morrisons will be launching a number of initiatives through the month of July across both its store and its cafés.
1All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2042 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 26th – 27th April 2023. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
