Hywel Dda joins the nation in Biggest Thank You on the birthday of the NHS

Hywel Dda staff joined in one last country-wide clap of thanks on Sunday 5 July to thank not only NHS staff but all key workers, good neighbours and those who have helped to get us through this difficult period.

Across the three counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, NHS staff took the opportunity to say thank you and celebrate the NHS’ 72nd birthday.

Also, throughout the day, Hywel Dda Health Charities took the opportunity to celebrate the fundraising efforts for Hywel Dda staff, patients and volunteers over the past months.

Featured in the series of video clips available to watch on the Hywel Dda Health Charities’ Facebook page, was Vindya Prabhu, aged 14, daughter of Dr Vinod Prabhu, Consultant ENT Head and Neck Surgeon at Glangwili Hospital, who spent 10 days climbing stairs to reach the 3,560-foot summit of Snowdon. Through this effort, Vindaya raised £410 as a thank you to the NHS.

Also featured was Alysha Scarrott, aged 10, who has run a mile a day for over 65 days to give thanks and raise money for NHS charities. In her clip, Alysha says she has done this “because of the bravery the NHS staff have shown throughout this terrible time.” Her efforts have raised over £8,500.

Maria Battle, Chair of Hywel Dda UHB, said: “We owe a debt of gratitude to all who have cared for patients and their families along with all those in the care sector. We are also hugely grateful to the shop workers, transport staff, delivery drivers, teachers, refuse collectors, farmers, armed service personnel and other key workers who have kept the country going.

“This was our chance to thank all those who have stayed home even when the sun shone, the people who volunteered who helped their neighbours with the shopping or washed their hands more often.

“It is important, however, to remember that COVID has not gone away and we need our community to stay vigilante to protect themselves, their family and our NHS from the virus.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “As we move from the initial challenges that COVID-19 brought, we now look ahead to how charitable funds raised can continue to make a positive difference to the health, wellbeing and experience of NHS patients, service users and staff across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

“We understand these are difficult times but any support you can give means you’ll be making a huge difference to our patients, their families and our staff. Our work would not be possible without your support.”

You can donate now, easily and quickly, by visiting www.justgiving.com/hywelddahealthcharities or for more information about Hywel Dda Health Charities please visit www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk or contact the charity team on 01267 239815.