UK charity Seafarers Hospital Society (SHS) celebrated its 200th anniversary with a virtual tea party.
The society sent cupcakes to all staff and trustees, who gathered online to mark the occasion.
Chief executive Sandra Welch said: "We wanted to mark the occasion and what could be better than sharing a birthday cake? So we had a cake made locally and sent individual cupcakes to all our guests. It was a great way to celebrate."
The SHS was founded in 1821 when merchant seafarers returning from the Napoleonic Wars were left dying in the streets of London with no access to medical care.
Chair Peter McEwen said the celebration was not just about having fun. "There’s a more serious message," he added.
Floating hospital ships
Referring to the charity's first patients, McEwen said: "We literally picked them up and took care of them, setting up floating hospital ships on the Thames at Greenwich.
"And although the way we work has changed, the health and well-being of seafarers remains at the heart of what we do," he added.
In 2021, the society continues to support seafarers through hard times, providing grants for essential items and access to free health and well-being services.
The charity works in close partnership with statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure that help is delivered as quickly as possible.
Grants awarded
Last year, the SHS awarded more than £250,000 ($346,000) in grants to 455 seafarers and their families. This was an unprecedented sum for the charity.
Of the total, 200 coronavirus-related grants came to just under £100,000.
The money covered disability aids and equipment such as electrically powered vehicles, adapted shower facilities and riser/recliner chairs, as well as essential household goods.
Clothing, payment of priority debts, urgent living expenses, respite breaks, funeral costs and other pressing welfare requirements were also addressed.
The SHS said leftover cake was distributed to retired and working seafarers at Queen Victoria Seamen's Rest in London’s East India Dock Road.
