I WAS proud to represent Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust at the Westminster Abbey celebratory service in honour of the sixtieth anniversary of the National Health Service.

It was a magnificent occasion in which tribute was rightfully paid to staff and volunteers who work in and for the NHS and those whom have gone before us in serving the public. I was struck in attending ‘The Big Picnic’ in the Valley Gardens on Sunday just what the NHS means to us all.

To see hundreds of people of all ages having a thoroughly good time, mostly at the hands of volunteers including a group of students was to capture the essence of the whole celebration of NHS 60.

The event was inspired and masterminded by Mrs R Bailey. May I use your columns to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ from all of us in the NHS foundation trust – especially from Woodlands Ward that will benefit from the funds raised.