AHEAD of the NHS’s 70th birthday – which we celebrate today, Thursday, July 5 – we called on readers to send in poems about this wonderful institution.

The competition – run by the Star along with St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – received more than 150 entries in three age categories under 10s, 11-17 and 18 plus.

What was clear from the many verses sent to us was the esteem and love which our readers have for the NHS.

The winners are: Under 11s: Poppy Disbury age 8 from Sutton 12-17: Joshua Dunn age 12 from Halewood Over 18s: Helen Williams, 52 from Eccleston Park.

Here is the first winning poem by eight-year-old Poppy Disbury who impressed the judges by writing about how the NHS cares for her little sister Fearne who has cerebral palsy.

WHY I Love the NHS

I love the NHS

Because it’s completely free

I love the NHS

Because they care for me

I love the NHS

Because they’re helping my sister Fearne

I love the NHS

Because they’re helping her to learn

I love the NHS

With their 70 years of rules and regs

I love the NHS

Because they’re helping Fearne’s wobbly legs

I love the NHS

And all the work they do

I love the NHS

Long may it continue

Sherdley Primary pupil Poppy, decided to take part in the competition during half term when her mum was looking for creative things for her to do.

Her mum Emma Disbury, 37, said: “She got really into writing the poem, and her nan and granddad helped her with the rhymes, but I was so shocked at the end result.

“She really knew what she wanted to achieve with it and I was so emotional when she mentioned Fearne.”

One of Poppy’s little sisters Fearne, has recently been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and has been in and out of hospital.

Poppy decided to highlight this for inspiration in her winning poem, which caught the judges eye.

Emma, who is a full time carer for Fearne, added: “I couldn’t believe it when she won, I knew it was good but to win is amazing.

“She is completely chuffed, I was crying when I found out, and she’s taken her poem into school and read it out in front of assembly.

“I’m really proud of her.”

Entries were judged by: Ann Marr, chief executive, St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Ann Rimmer, preceptorship coordinator; Anne Molton, therapy manager; Sarah Jones, specialist midwife and Kelsey Maxwell from the St Helens Star.