This year, Cardiff & Vale Health Charity was proud to help teams across Cardiff and Vale University Health Board come together to celebrate International Nurses Day, International Day of the Midwife and Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) Day in May — thanks to funding made possible by our Staff Lottery.
Across hospital sites and community settings, our incredible nurses, midwives, ODPs and wider clinical teams took time to recognise each other’s dedication, compassion and hard work — and the Charity was honoured to support these moments.
In maternity services, teams marked International Day of the Midwife with a special celebration and annual awards ceremony, bringing colleagues together to recognise excellence and commitment. Funding from the Charity helped provide decorations, refreshments and thoughtful gifts for award winners, as well as treats that were shared with staff working in clinical areas who couldn’t attend in person.
Across other directorates, teams used their funding in creative and meaningful ways; from putting together hampers filled with tea, coffee and treats, to purchasing chocolates and visiting wards and departments to personally thank staff and spread a little joy.
In many areas, celebrations were shaped by the teams themselves, with colleagues organising their own activities, sharing photos, and creating collages and videos to capture the spirit of the day.
What united every celebration was a shared sense of appreciation and pride — creating opportunities for staff to pause, connect and recognise the difference they make every single day.
One team summed it up perfectly, sharing their thanks:
“The Health Charity helped us bring staff together to recognise and celebrate the dedication and hard work across our service. We are very grateful for your support.”
These celebrations were made possible thanks to supporters of the Cardiff & Vale Health Charity Staff Lottery. By playing, staff are helping fund projects and initiatives that directly benefit colleagues and patients across the Health Board — from moments of recognition like these, to vital equipment, environments and wellbeing support.
As we celebrate the NHS’s birthday this July, we want to say a heartfelt thank you; to every staff member for the care you provide, and to every Staff Lottery player whose support helps us go above and beyond for our NHS.
