Patients, service-users and friends are celebrating in style today as Oxford Health marks 74 years of the NHS.

Up and down the trust people are joining in the fun, with a cup of tea, a slice of birthday cake and a song.

Frivolities are already underway at Witney where patients and staff have enjoyed a reminiscent musical performance thanks to performer Katie Humble.

At Abingdon Community Hospital patients and staff enjoyed music and a raffle alongside their tea and cake.

Creating with Care Lead Angela Conlan said: “Enjoying a cuppa in the garden with live music is such a treat, the benefits for all are clear to see. Katie is a wonderful singer, with songs from musicals to jazz to musical hall favourites.”

Clients supported by Oxford City Adult Learning Disability Team joined staff to raise more than £110 so far for Oxford Health Charity as part of the annual NHS Big Tea as the nation celebrates 74 years of the NHS.

And at Wallingford Community Hospital patients, staff and the community enjoyed refreshments to raise £164 for Oxford Health Charity. The event was organised by Joanne Radbourne, Lauren Cornish and Philomena McGettigan with Lauren and Joanne interviewed by BBC Oxford and appearing on the local 6pm news.

You can show your support by donating to the Oxford City Learning Disability Team’s Just Giving Page and the Wallingford Community Hospital’s Just Giving page.

Joanne Radbourne, Locality Portfolio Administrator for Wallingford Community Hospital, said: “Our NHS is amazing, but it can’t face every challenge alone. That’s why we are joining the brew crew to help provide the extra support NHS staff, patients and volunteers need now, more than ever before.”

The NHS Big Tea is a national event set to raise cash for staff, patients and charities for NHS Charities Together across the country with a host of fundraising events taking part locally.

Julie Pink, Head of Charity and Involvement, said: “NHS Big Tea is a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate what the NHS means to them. By hosting events like this, our teams are able to bring together NHS staff, patients and carers to take time out together, have a cuppa and reflect on the impact of the NHS on their lives.  We are all touched by the NHS in some way and it’s great to have the chance to give something back, while enjoying a piece of cake!”

Anyone wishing to support Oxford Health Charity through the Big Tea can set up an Oxford Health Charity Just Giving page.