After reports yesterday of the attacks made by US Republicans on the NHS, Twitter users grabbed their keyboards and mobiles to defend the health system. Critics in the US claimed that elderly people in the UK are left to die, and that the NHS put an "Orwellian" financial cap on the value on human life – in a bid to discredit Barack Obama's own healthcare reforms. Twitterers hit back, tweeting on the thread "#welovethenhs" to explain exactly why the NHS meant so much to them. Here are some examples:

@timlusher: The NHS is incredible in a medical emergency. They saved me when I had a brain abscess. It's worth every penny of our taxes.

@bird42: Because they got me safely through two pregnancies, and the one that didn't work out.

@LizzieCharlton: When my dad died after 2 weeks in ICU in multiorgan failure we weren't made bankrupt by the cost of his care.

@gailtwist: heartwarming stuff...saved my husband's, father's and son's lives within 6 months...great people.

@will_tooke: Looking after grandad for free.

@ceona: My birth control is free! Free!

@dancourse: On a personal note, they really sorted me out when I ruined my toe attempting capoeira on a desk . . . Wouldn't want to lose it!

@zara_tweets: The NHS has its flaws but I dread to think how many loved ones I'd be missing without it. Makes me proud to be British.

@KingOfAnkh: If it wasn't for the NHS, my two-year-old niece would have died without a liver transplant. She's now eight and doing well.

@gullstory: US Republicans can lie all they like about the NHS but it's a great service for every Brit & we're proud of it.

@ajjenkins: For all those doctors and nurses who work long hours to keep us well.

@natguest: During my breakdown just two months ago my GPs were caring & compassionate and listened through my tears.

@bitoclass: Because I'd rather my healthcare decisions were taken by someone interested in public health/value than in profits.

@aaronrussell: Brought me into the world, removed that doll's eye I got stuck up my nose, fixed my collar bone, patched up my hernia (twice).