A 101-year-old Leicester woman will be the oldest person in England to host a NHS Big Tea party to celebrate 73 years of the National Health Service today.

Gladys Taylor, 101 from Anstey, was the honorary host of an NHS Big Tea held at George Hythe House Residential Home in Leicester to celebrate the NHS’s official birthday.

Raising money for NHS Charities Together – specifically for Leicester Hospitals Charity – NHS Big Tea events are being held across the UK today as people show their appreciation for the health service and the staff who work within it.

Natasha Cunningham, care home manager at George Hythe House, says residents have been looking forward to the event ever since a member of staff suggested that the home should hold one.

All of our residents and staff here at George Hythe House have been excited about our Big Tea today to show our appreciation for the NHS,” says Natasha.

“As our oldest resident, Gladys is especially appreciative for the NHS and particularly our local hospitals here in Leicester after she spent ten days in hospital being treated for covid and pneumonia last year.

“It’s been such a tough time for our residents and our staff with lockdown restrictions meaning that our residents have been unable to have visits from their families and loved ones and even unable to socialise with each other. So being able to come together to throw a tea party like this to say thank you to the NHS is something that means the world to all of our residents here at the House.”

Leicester Hospitals Charity’s Head of Fundraising, Claire Campbell, thanked the residents and staff of George Hythe House for their show of support.

“We’re deeply thankful to everyone at George Hythe House for holding a Big Tea to raise money for our charity,” says Claire. “We are especially proud to boast the oldest NHS Big Tea host in the nation with the lovely Gladys still enjoying a celebratory cuppa at 101-years-young!

“The NHS birthday is always a special time for us at Leicester Hospitals Charity and we massively appreciate everyone at the House and across Leicestershire & Rutland who’ll be raising a mug in gratitude to our amazing hospital staff who have worked so hard over the last 18 months on the front line.”

George Hythe House care operators Midlands Care have pledged to match donations to Leicester Hospitals Charity if they reach £250.

To donate to the House’s fundraising efforts, visit their fundraising page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GeorgeHytheHouse