"A Blackpool- based, international singing sensation is set to join in special events to celebrate the NHS’ 70th birthday.

Joe Longthorne MBE will be officially opening a reading bench and revealing a new memory wall at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Joe said: “Having a deep passion for learning and knowledge, I love the idea of a reading bench which will encourage all kind of people to pick up a book.

“I am also looking forward to the reveal of the new wall. My partner Jamie and I discovered some items that were of significant historical importance in our attic and I am delighted to be revealing them as part of the new memory wall in July.”

Joe will be opening the bench at 1.30pm outside the Education Centre and then reveal the memory wall with historic items, on the hospital’s main corridor opposite the post box, on July 3.

Joe also celebrates his 50th year in showbusiness this year.

More details of the NHS70 events can be found on the Trust’s website: https://www.bfwh.nhs.uk "

This extract from the NHS official website.