The NHS turns 77 on 5th July 2025!

CELEBRITIES including Star Wars actor Daisy Ridley, Stephen Fry and Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo) are championing a powerful new campaign to mark the NHS’ 77th birthday – spotlighting the difference NHS charities make for patients, staff and communities every day. 

The campaign, led by NHS Charities Together, is backed by new research that shows rapidly increasing demand from NHS Trusts for the extra support that NHS charities can provide. 77% of NHS charities say they are being asked to fund things they weren’t previously, and 71% believe demand for their services has reached unprecedented levels.

The research shows the biggest increases in demand are for extra wellbeing support for the hard-working health workforce (87%) and to improve outdated healthcare environments, whether through gardens, capital builds or family rooms (77%).

NHS Charities Together works together with a network of over 230 local and specialist NHS charities across the UK, supporting hospitals, ambulance trusts, mental health trusts and community health services. However, 96% of NHS charities feel the public is unaware of how they help the NHS – including by supporting staff, improving buildings and facilities, funding life-saving first responder volunteers, and so much more.

A host of other well-known names are taking part in the campaign, including Tasha Ghouri, Dr Emily MacDonagh, Amy Dowden, Anita Harris and Dr Shani Dhanda – each sharing their own personal connection to the vital work of NHS charities in a short film ‘The Difference Is…’ or in personalised messages.

Celebrities spotlight vital need for NHS charities ahead of NHS' birthday | Charity Today News

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Published: Jul 4, 2025