Dear NHS by Adam Kay: how to order the moving essay collection and raise funds for the NHS

In dedication to the incredible work done by the National Health Service over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, bestselling author Adam Kay has put together a collection of essays from writers and celebrities.

The book, Dear NHS, was created by the author of This is Going to Hurt (opens in new tab),which achieved national acclaim when it was published in 2017 for its honest depictions of life as a junior doctor.

In a similar style, this collection of essays reveals the trials and tribulations of those who’ve been treated by the NHS over the years, in thanks to the health care staff (opens in new tab) who helped them. It covers everything from giving blood and routine operations from the likes of comedian Miranda Hart and writer Caitlin Moran, to stories of childbirth and major life events from actors like This Country’s Daisy May Cooper and comedian Jimmy Carr.

READ MORE:NHS tops list of the coolest things in the world (opens in new tab)

In 2016, the NHS topped the list of things British people are most proud of and if anything, this book shows the admiration has only peaked since then.

Which celebrity voices are being featured in Dear NHS by Adam Kay?

With 109 contributors including the likes of Paul McCartney, Emma Thompson, Malala Yousafzai, Mary Beard, Nish Kumar, Chris O’Dowd, Jilly Cooper, Irvine Welsh, Ricky Gervais, Sali Hughes and Jamie Oliver, it's set to be one of the best books of the year.

Announcing the release of the book on Instagram, Adam Kay listed all the famous names from across the British arts industries and promised that all profits from the sale of Dear NHS would go to charity (opens in new tab).

Readers taken to Twitter since the book was released to shout their praises. One user said, 'So far, I’ve empathised, laughed and cried at the eclectic stories. Just incredible how lucky we are to live in the UK and benefit from the amazing NHS.'

Another wrote, 'Just pre-ordered@amateuradam (opens in new tab)Dear NHS book. Really looking forward to reading it. Proud to be part of such an amazing institution, especially in the current climate.'

So how can you get your hands on this already-iconic book?

Where to buy Dear NHS by Adam Kay

If you’re looking to read these inspirational stories from some of the UK’s most famous faces, then head to you local bookstore or online to pick up a copy. It came out on July 8 and has since been given rave reviews from the likes of the Guardian and already made its way into the Sunday Times Bestseller List.

BUY NOW (opens in new tab)

You can also head over to Waterstones (opens in new tab) or WH Smith (opens in new tab) to buy a copy of Dear NHS. It's available in hardcover, in Kindle edition and as an audio book.

Which charities are being donated to?

Following Adam Kay's announcement that the book would be released in early July, he also confirmed that all profits would be going to the charities NHS Charities Together and the Lullaby Trust.

NHS Charities Together (opens in new tab) is the collective voice for more than 230 different NHS charities around the UK. All together they create £1 million for the NHS every day, so that the people in need can stay healthy for longer and get better faster. Over the years, NHS charities have funded major projects including pioneering medical research and equipment for hospitals, to help patients get the best possible care.

Over the coronavirus pandemic, NHS Charities Together has been one of the key charities that people have been donating to in order to support the health service in all they are doing.

The Lullaby Trust (opens in new tab) is the second charity that proceeds will be donated to. Working alongside the NHS, the charity provides emotional support for bereaved families and promotes expert advice on safer sleep for babies and raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome.

With all the good that these charities do and the collection of heartwarming and hilarious stories in the book, it's no wonder that copies are flying off the shelves!