Nye’s heartfelt tribute to Nye, founder of the NHS

THE first baby to be born in the NHS celebrated her 72nd birthday by toasting frontline healthcare heroes, writes Liz Perkins.

Aneira Thomas, known as Nye after NHS founder Aneurin “Nye” Bevan, arrived a minute past midnight on July 5, 1948 – and grew up to be a nurse.

She said: “They changed history in 1948 and this year has changed history. Look how they have come together, the team effort for saving lives with disregard for their own.

“It must be frightening for everyone involved. They are totally amazing, aren’t they? I do feel they have been undervalued, taken for granted and underpaid over the years. They are the best of the best. They get on with it, they are preserving lives.”

Both of Nye’s children, Kevin and Lindsey, suffered brain haemorrhages and were nursed back to health in the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.

And Nye, of Loughor, near Swansea, has been in hospital at least eight times as she suffers from severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis.

She was so thankful for the health service’s support that she even wrote a love letter to the NHS in her book Hold On, Edna! named after her mother.

“There are so many grieving families right now. I am so fortunate my two children were saved, I thank them every day – and the big man upstairs, of course.

“In the intensive care unit at the Heath the support was constant, the way they treat the family with cups of coffee, a hug and a look that it’s going to be alright – it’s a safety net.

“When I am in Cardiff and see the statue of Aneurin Bevan I cry with thanks for what he has done for me.”