Celebrations have been held across Walsall and Wolverhampton NHS Trusts to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Well Wishers charity at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and The RWT Charity at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust worked with their Chaplaincy, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion teams and Armed Forces staff to acknowledge the end of World War II in Europe on 8 May 1945.
All elderly patients at Walsall Manor Hospital were offered cake as part of a special afternoon tea.
Patient Gladys Opie was really pleased to receive a cake and said she was 11 when the war broke out and 17 when it finished.
The main celebration event at Walsall Manor was well attended and took place in the main atrium.
Staff, patients and visitors were able to hear a medley of VE Day songs from the Willenhall Singers and could enjoy refreshments thanks to Well Wishers.
There was also a display of war memorabilia from Elephant Antiques and information from the Trust’s Armed Forces Community Network and Preservation of Pelsall Remembrance Service/Veteran Foundation.
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager at Walsall Healthcare, said: “Thank you to everyone who attended. The event was a real success and there was a fantastic buzz around the atrium.
“We appreciate that this is an important anniversary, particularly for our elderly patients many of whom will be able to recall their own memories of that time, or the immediate years that followed.
“I hope our patients enjoyed their cake, and the charity would like to thank everyone involved in marking this significant day.”
Alan Duffell, Group Chief People Officer, said: “I served in the RAF for just over 22 years, before I joined the NHS. I fully understand the challenges placed on Armed Forces personnel and the commitments they are required to make in an ever-changing world, which in many cases will take them away from home for long periods of time.
“As such, I fully recognise the debt and appreciation we all owe to past and present members of the armed forces and I would personally like to say thank you.
“I’d like to thank our Armed Forces Community (AFC) Networks, plus our charities (Well Wishers and The RWT Charity) and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion teams for helping the Trusts to mark VE Day 80.
“And as always I’d also like to thank the Armed Forces staff – we appreciate your service, both to the people of Walsall and Wolverhampton and to our country.”