Paddington parties for the NHS 70th Birthday
Paddington knows how to throw a good party and on Monday 2 July, in partnership with the Imperial Health Charity, we hosted boat trips on the Grand Union Canal to celebrate the NHS 70th Birthday. Staff and volunteers from the Imperial Health Trust’s hospitals were invited to celebrate the 70 years by tucking into homemade scones, cakes, sandwiches and cups of tea on board GoBoats, captained by volunteers from Paddington corporates.
The floating tea parties formed part of the nationwide Big 7Tea. Launched jointly by more than 130 NHS charities that fundraise for hospitals across the country, the Big 7Tea encourages friends, families and colleagues to come together and raise a cuppa to the NHS. Our volunteer Captains and trusty Captain’s Mates showcased their baking talents by rustling up tables of tasty treats for their passengers to enjoy as they cruised along the canal.
Over the course of the day, 70 NHS guests were hosted by volunteers from seven Paddington corporates; Cerner, Heathrow Express, Marks & Spencer, Paddington Central, Sodexo, Visa and Vodafone.
Many of those who attended were nominees in the annual Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Make a Difference Awards. Colleagues from St Mary’s Hospital and Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea Hospital who developed an app to support parents of premature babies and the team responsible for managing the identification and control of sepsis throughout the Trust’s hospitals were rewarded with the thank you Birthday boat trips, as well as NHS volunteers - a number of whom have volunteered for over 20 years with the Trust.
“We had a fantastic experience hosting tea parties on the GoBoats and navigating the waterways we work so close to. It was a great way to appreciate the vital role the NHS service plays in our lives, and to recognise and thank the extraordinary NHS staff – the unsung heroes!” Fusnara Begum, Paddington Central.
There was a celebratory atmosphere in the air throughout the day, with guests and hosts enjoying chatting and soaking up the sun. London Live came to capture the action on film and even the swans and cygnets made an appearance for the special occasion.
“Many, many thanks for including me in the boat trip. It was a delightful occasion which everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy. It was lovely to meet and spend time with other NHS colleagues in such a happy and well organised event” NHS Guest.
With plans to make the Big 7Tea an annual event, we hope to be back on the water next year to host more guests; with more boats, volunteers and of course, more cake.
If you have questions about this event, the Community Programme, or other ways you could support local hospitals, please contact our Community Programme Manager, Emily.
04.07.18
