London politicians have paid tribute to the 70th anniversary of the National Health Service (NHS) at City Hall.

Yesterday Liberal Democrat London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon hosted an NHS Big Tea party in celebration of the 70th birthday of the health service.

Ms Pidgeon said: “I’m delighted to have hosted this special London event at London’s Living Room, to raise a cuppa with NHS charities from across the capital for the NHS 70th birthday.

“What’s not often celebrated is the contribution made by the NHS Charities that help the NHS do so much more which I’m glad we were able to do today.”

All of London’s 38 NHS trusts have their own charity.

Together those London NHS charities raised over £230m last year – the cost of running one of London’s NHS hospitals or providing 28,000 Londoners with cancer treatment.

They also mobilise volunteers to support NHS staff.

There are over 20,000 regular volunteers in London hospitals which is the equivalent of having an extra 1,700 NHS staff in the capital to help patients.

Jane Cummings, chief nursing officer for England and regional director for NHS England (London) said: “The work of our NHS charities is so important – if it were not for their support and determination, we could not offer all we do for our patients and their families.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who also attended the event also praised the NHS for its work over the last 70 years.

He said: “Londoners owe an enormous debt of thanks to everyone who works or volunteers for the National Health Service or has done since it started 70 years ago. Their hard work and commitment helps make London the greatest city in the world.”