A HOSPITAL charity is hosting a big tea party in Dorset to raise money for and celebrate the NHS.

Dorset County Hospital Charity is inviting people to join the biggest NHS tea party yet by hosting their own NHS Big Tea on the health service’s 74th birthday on Tuesday, July 5.

Led by NHS Charities Together, the NHS Big Tea brings the nation together to celebrate the birthday of the NHS, giving thanks to the workforce, whilst raising funds to provide the extra support needed for patients, staff, and volunteers.

Last year more than 4,800 hosts signed up, collectively raising over £500,000. In addition to individuals, schools, community groups and organisations, more than 150 NHS charities were involved, including Dorset County Hospital Charity.

Simon Pearson, Head of Charity at DCH said: “We are continually grateful to our local community for their incredible generosity and support. The Big Tea provides another great opportunity for people to get together, help the NHS and say thank you for the care they and their loved ones have received.”

This year, NHS Charities Together hopes to make the event the biggest NHS Big Tea to date, with a collective fundraising target of over £775,000. This will include donations from corporate sponsors including the headline sponsor Morrisons, who supported the campaign by raising £250,000 last year and will be urging their customers and staff to take part once again.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive, said: “No one in the country has been untouched by the events of the last two years and NHS staff along with our wonderful volunteers, workers who kept our shops and public services running and those who kept schools and offices open across the country are no exception.

“The NHS Big Tea is an excellent opportunity for communities to come together and pay tribute to brilliant staff and volunteers, who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic to keep us and our loved ones safe.

“The effects of the pandemic are still being felt even as the NHS and the country now looks to recover and rebuild, so the continued support of local communities remains as vital as it is hugely appreciated.”