WE MUST FIGHT TO SAVE IT

First health service baby's call to nation | History-maker fears return to the dark days

- MARTIN BAGOT

HISTORY was made when Aneira Thomas was born 75 years ago - and just like back then, she is crying out at the top of her lungs.

She is calling on the nation to fight together to ensure the survival of the health service, which she describes as "Britain's jewel in the crown".

Aneira was the first baby born into the NHS. She arrived at one minute past midnight on July 5, 1948- the day the health service was launched.

Her mum Edna, in labour for 18 hours, held on until midnight, meaning she did not have to pay a shilling and sixpence to the midwife.

Edna gave her little girl the female version of the first name of Aneurin Bevan who, as Health Secretary, spearheaded the creation of the NHS.

Aneira, also known as Nye, said: "It makes me cry with emotion that it's lasted this long.

"But to see it being dragged down the way it is, is horrendous. We need it maintained for our children and grandchildren.

"It's still Britain's jewel in the crown, envied throughout much of the world.

"The NHS was there when I took my first breath and please, God, it will be there when I take my last."

On Wednesday, as she turns 75 herself, Nye will celebrate the NHS's birthday at a service at Westminster Abbey, attended by the likes of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Nye was born at Amman Valley Maternity Hospital in the village of Glanamman in Carmarthenshire.

The building she arrived in is now derelict after closing in 1984.

Youths regularly break in for underage drinking and "ghost hunting" parties.