“What can we do to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the NHS?” asked the committee of the Friends of St. Margaret’s Hospital.
The Director of West Essex NHS, Nicole Rich, replied: “Ice Cream.”
So for three hours on the Anniversary – 5th July 2023 – the Mr Whippy Van of ice cream seller, Terry from Harlow, stood in the grounds of the Hospital.
The word spread through the wards and departments, and soon porters, physios, ambulance crew, nurses, doctors, therapists, administrators and more came to the Van as they came off shift, chose their ice cream from Terry’s huge menu – and enjoyed their NHS 75th Anniversary treat.
Since 1949, the League of Friends of St. Margaret’s had been providing equipment items for the Hospital that the NHS budget couldn’t supply.
THIS WAS A BIT DIFFERENT!
Members of the Friends invited over 200 health professionals to take their ice cream of choice and enjoy!
The response to this welcome birthday surprise was great. One amazed and smiling worker from the wards thanked us, saying: “Everyone is so happy, everyone is laughing – it’s taken us back to our childhood!”
This gift was made possible by the supporters and donors to the League of Friends – who have made donations, paid subscriptions or held fund-raising events.
COULD YOUR CLUB OR SPORT MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND RAISE CASH FOR US NEXT YEAR?
