HEALTH campaigners and trade unions marched today to celebrate 75 years of the  NHS.

Hundreds set off with their union banners from Aneurin Bevan’s birthplace in Charles Street, Tredegar, and marched to Bedwellty park.

The Wales TUC organised Bevan Day marked the birthday of the NHS, but also celebrated the wave of industrial action for fair pay and conditions.

WTUC general secretary Shavanah Taj told the rally: “Universal public services are at the heart of a fair society and everybody deserves to live with dignity.

“The NHS epitomises this. It’s free at the point of use, and is available no matter if you are in paid employment or not.”

First Minister for Wales Mark Drakeford sent a message of solidarity and said: “Aneurin Bevan said the NHS will last as long as there are folk left with faith to fight for it.

“I know everyone here today are willing to fight for the NHS and to make sure we have the health and care services we need for the future.”

Unison Wales regional secretary Dominic Macaskill also paid tribute to the 75th anniversary of the Windrush landing and the first recruitment drive of Caribbean workers to the NHS in 1949.

Mr Macaskill spoke about the challenges of Britain’s broken social care system and “an ailing health service, or choosing the path of positive change.

“A path that leads to a properly funded health service and the creation of a national care service for Wales joining our disparate health services together.

“It is a path that realigns our values, putting people before profit and health before wealth,” Mr Macaskill said.