It wouldn’t be a proper birthday without cake and the NHS’s 77th was celebrated in style at Walsall Manor Hospital with some tempting treats, a bustling market and musical entertainment.
Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity organised today’s event to give patients, visitors and staff an opportunity to reflect on more than seven decades of the National Health Service – founded on 5 July 1948
The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison, had the tough task of judging the wonderful creations submitted as part of the event’s Neonatal v Maternity Well Wishers bake off, joined by Sherilyn Gethin, who was standing in for the charity’s patron Martin Gethin, former British Lightweight Champion boxer, who had a diary clash.
The Mayor said: “It was a hard task to choose a winner – it was definitely easier to taste the cakes which were all amazing – but we did vote for the ambulance cake which had a beautiful little baby in its design. Well done to everyone who baked a cake because they all tasted fabulous.
“Thank you to all the staff and volunteers at Walsall Manor Hospital for the work they do and a very Happy Birthday NHS from the Mayor of Walsall!”
Pelsall Ladies Choir was in fine voice, delighting everyone with a varirty of songs to mark the special occasion and the Trust’s volunteers served up tea and coffee to visitors.
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager at Walsall Healthcare, said it had been “a lovely celebration.”
“Well Wishers was proud to give people the chance to appreciate the NHS today – ahead of its 77th birthday tomorrow – and enjoy some super singing from Pelsall Ladies Choir, refreshments served up by our helpful volunteers, and plenty of choice across our market stalls.
“The charity would like to thank the Mayor for supporting us today, along with Sherilyn, and remind all of our teams in the hospital and our community services how valued they are for the work they do to support our patients and families.”