A SPECIAL event to mark 75 years of the NHS and a local charity to support an Amman Valley hospital will take place in July.

The NHS is celebrating 75 years of existence on July 5, 2023, after being founded on the date in 1948 by Welshman Aneurin Bevan to provide free healthcare to all in the UK.

Throughout the UK, there are many NHS hospitals including the Amman Valley Hospital which was the location of the birth of the first baby born in the NHS - Aneira Thomas.

The Amman Valley Hospital League of Friends was set up on September 22, 1948, in order to help support the hospital and raise funds to help with the purchasing of equipment and items to help enhance patient care at the hospital.

Over the last 75 years, the charity has raised around £556,000 and bought a number of items such as special chairs for stroke survivors, new blinds for the conservatory and wards and humidifiers.

The charity has recently returned to meeting and fundraising after the covid pandemic and are hoping that the celebratory event in July will help with re-engaging with the wider community.

A number of local businesses and individuals have committed to donate to and support the charity.

The Amman Valley Hospital League of Friends’ afternoon tea event to celebrate 75 years of the NHS will take place on Saturday, July 8 between 2pm and 4pm.

Aneira Thomas will be in attendance alongside staff from the hospital and will open the event and cut a celebration cake.