AN appeal to raise money to buy an MRI scanner machine for a hospital in Taunton has raised more than £350,000.

The Love Musgrove appeal, backed by your County Gazette, aims to buy the third machine for Musgrove Park Hospital by raising one million pounds in donations.

So far, more than £350,000 since the appeal began at the end of April.

The appeal has seen staff from all levels of the hospital get involved to raise funds for the machine that will be used across all departments to diagnose conditions such as cancer, liver damage, and cardiac problems.

Staff have been taking part in sponsored events, one of the governors held a garden open day, and an apprentice is set to host a quiz night. Some of the nurses are taking part in a charity sky dive, and a team of consultants are organising an evening of music.

Colin Drummond, chairman of Musgrove Park Hospital, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to our wonderful staff and friends in the local community for their support of our appeal so far.

“The other hospital charities, SURE and League of Friends have been hugely supportive as well.

“With more than £350,000 raised since the end of April we are positive about achieving our £1 million target early next year.

“But we need your support to help us get there.”

To donate to the Love Musgrove appeal fill in the donation form or visit justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/lovemusgrove/mrimillion.

If you’ve got an idea to raise money then contact the fundraising team by emailing fundraising@tst.nhs.uk or call 01823 344437.

Somerset County Gazette: