A University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust consultant is featuring alongside Monty Python legend Michael Palin and England footballer Jordan Henderson in a new exhibition from internationally renowned photographer, Rankin and NHS Charities Together, celebrating 75 years of NHS charities.

Stefan Edmondson, a Consultant Clinical Scientist at University Hospitals Birmingham, is starring in ‘Love and Charity: A History of Giving in the NHS’ – which celebrates the vital role charities have played throughout the health service’s history, ahead of the NHS’ 75th anniversary on 5th July.

Stefan, led the reconstructive surgery for Malala Yousafzai – the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate who was shot in the head by the Taliban after protesting restrictions to girls’ education – his team’s pioneering work is only possible thanks to 3D printers funded by University Hospitals Birmingham Charity.

Stefan said: “We deal with burns victims, cancer patients, sportspeople who have had their teeth knocked out – we never know what trauma might walk through the door. In layman’s terms we’re here to piece people back together. Making Malala’s skull plate was one of the outstanding moments of my career, because it’s not every day you get involved in the rehabilitation of somebody of that magnitude – but we would do the same for any other patient.

“Our work is very much reliant on 3D printers, which if it weren’t for University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, we would never have had. The technology was pioneering at the time we provided Malala’s surgery and it still is today. There are very few hospitals who have access to such facilities and, truthfully, it’s charity support that has allowed us to be a world-leading service.”

Rankin, who has photographed the likes of the Queen, David Bowie, Madonna and Kate Moss, adds: “The thing I’ve learned from all these people is how much of a massive contribution NHS charities make to the national health service. You don’t realise the scale of support that’s out there – they fund research and new technologies, accommodation and support for patients, and extra services so more of us can access better care. I used to work in the NHS but honestly had no idea, and it really has been eye opening.”

UHB Charity CEO, Mike Hammond said: “We are thrilled that Stefan and UHB Trust are being recognised nationally for using the 3D printers that University Hospitals Birmingham Charity funded thanks to our amazing supporters. This pioneering piece of equipment helps to transform the lives of our patients, giving them a new lease of life that they wouldn’t have otherwise had. We are proud to be a part of this innovative technology for patients now and in the future.”

Ellie Orton OBE, Chief Executive at NHS Charities Together, said: “It’s been incredibly inspiring meeting Stefan and Aziz, and hearing their stories. 75 years after the NHS was founded, charity support has never been more important, and with your help we can continue to help the NHS for generations to come. On 5 July, you can support the charity that means the most to you and celebrate 75 years of the NHS by hosting an NHS Big Tea party. We hope some of these stories show the astonishing impact one person’s generosity can have.”

The series of 14 portraits of NHS staff, patients and volunteers who all have a powerful personal connection to the impact of NHS charities, will be displayed at Saatchi gallery in London from 31st May-11th June, and is free to the public.

To find out how you can support UHB Charity as we celebrate 75 years of the NHS, visit: hospitalcharity.org/nhs75

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