Maureen’s Story: Giving back by taking part in the NHS Big Tea

The NHS Big Tea event isn’t just about brewing tea; it’s about brewing community support for a cause close to the heart. Today we are sharing the heartfelt story of one of our supporters who decided to give back in a meaningful way.

In the past seven years, I’ve had tremendous support from the NHS during some tough health challenges. I’ve had two major surgeries for ovarian and colon cancer, both detected early and promptly treated by the NHS. Throughout my journey, I’ve received incredible support from healthcare professionals, community nurses and specialists. So, when I heard about the NHS Big Tea event, I knew I wanted to give back.

“I’m a planner by nature, so I dove into organising the event with meticulous detail. I enlisted the help of family and friends to ensure everything ran smoothly, from serving tea to managing stalls.

“On the day of the event, the community turned out in force, enjoying homemade cakes and browsing plant stalls. It was heartwarming to see so many people come together to support such an important cause.

“Thanks to the generosity of my family and friends, we raised a significant amount, surpassing my expectations. It was truly a rewarding experience, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my loved ones.

“The event wasn’t just about fundraising; it was a lovely way to connect and catch up with family and friends. We even spent some time talking about each of our positive experiences with the NHS.

Reflecting on the day, I’m overwhelmed by the support and generosity of my friends and family. The event was a reminder of the importance of coming together to support our vital healthcare services. It was a wonderful experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to those who have given me so much.”

From the everyday to the transformational, NHS Lothian Charity supports NHS Lothian to deliver outstanding care throughout the full healthcare journey and across all health conditions. Whether that’s a more relaxing waiting area, specialist equipment to advance treatment or activities to support recovery, together, we make healthcare better for everyone.