Day Lewis pharmacy celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Saturday (29) with an emotional tribute to its legendary founders the late Kirit Patel and his brother J C Patel, who turns 80 next week.
Kirit’s three children, Jay, Rupa and Sam Patel, who now run the business, pledged to continue their father’s legacy and deliver the best healthcare to patients around the country.
Over 1,250 people attended the glittering event held at Evolution in Battersea, London, with key leaders from the industry in attendance.
Hosted by television presenter and comedian Stephen Mulhern, the event featured a rapturing performance of the Lion King and speeches by key members of the Patel family.
J C Patel thanked all the past and present employees and senior board members for their contribution towards the growth of the company.
JC and Kirit founded Day Lewis in 1975 with a single pharmacy, and going to build one of the largest chains in Britain with 240 pharmacies.
JC also thanked those from various industries such as banking, finance and pharma companies for supporting Day Lewis over the years.
He also fondly remembered Kirit and said the company owes its success to his vision and dedication.
In his address, executive director Sam Patel said the 50th anniversary celebration was truly special.
He said, "It's hard to believe that when my uncle JC and my father Kirit came from that first pharmacy in 1975, they just had one simple idea to serve patients with care and compassion. They never imagined we'd be here today."
Sam said Day Lewis has been more than a business and it would not have been possible without the contributions made by thousands of colleagues.
"It's a family, not just because it was founded by ours, but because of you, the family that has joined us along the way."
"Many of you have spent decades with us and others are just starting your journey, but together you've built something incredible.
"That sense of belonging, of looking out for one another is what makes us who we are."
Sam noted that the pharmaceutical industry was going through challenging times with economic uncertainty and rapid changes.
"But if the last 50 years have taught us anything, it's that we can move mountains when we work together and we will. Now, 50 years is a big achievement but it's not the finish line. "Our ambition is to reach 100 years and beyond, not just as a company but as a family that continues to care for communities across the UK."
He also thanked the sponsors, whom he said were not "just names on a screen", but have been the suppliers and key partners of the pharmacy.
In a moving and emotionally charged speech, executive director Jay Patel said that Day Lewis had always been a constant in his life. “50 years ago Day Lewis was born from a dream shared by my two fathers,” referring to both his father and uncle JC.
“For me it’s the only life I have ever known, and Day Lewis has always been my constant. “But life, as you've seen, has a way of suddenly changing, not slowly, not gently, but in an instant. One moment you have somebody, the next moment they're gone.”
“And whist that loss is painful, with it we learn and we experience different aspects of that."
“Our first true loss is well known, but it wouldn’t be right not to acknowledge our second true loss,’ he added referring to the passing of Peter Glover, the company’s long-serving superintendent, earlier this year.
"Peter was a man that I'd known since I was seven years old. He was deeply sewn into the fabric of Day Lewis. His loyalty never once wavered."
Jay lauded Glover for his passion for pharmacy and wished he were present during the event, with a 'big smile on his face'.
To honour Peter, Day Lewis dedicated an award to him, to appreciate his contributions.
"Peter was a man who could always make people feel that they'd been listened to," Jay said.
In her address, executive director Rupa Patel said, "We've had some real highs in 50 years, some real lows. We've had, as Jay very eloquently talked about, some lows as well this year."
"But in all these perhaps darker times, I think it's really important to remember those positive times, those times that bring us joy and pride."
Referring to her uncle's upcoming birthday, Rupa asked the audience to sing 'Happy Birthday' to JC.
