Support group launch at Musgrove

9:05pm Friday 14th March 2008

A PATIENT support group for those affected by bowel cancer has been formally launched at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.

The Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Lady Gas, the High Sheriff of Somerset, David Medlock, and Taunton MP Jeremy Browne launched the Somerset Colorectal Cancer Support Group.

The group has been in existence for just over a year, but the formal launch event celebrated: * The opening of a new Consulting Room in the Endoscopy Suite at Musgrove, which has been furnished with over £2,000 raised by SCCSG, and * The presentation by SCCSG of a £20,000 Diathermy Machine for use in Gastrointestinal Surgery at Musgrove.

The group is for anyone in Somerset who suffers from bowel cancer, their family, friends and carers, and for anyone receiving treatment for colorectal cancer at Musgrove or any hospital in Somerset.

As well as raising money the group runs a range of support and information groups, both on an individual or group basis.

The next drop in session will take place on April 8, 6.30-8pm at St James Church in Taunton.

Chris Vickery, consultant colorectal surgeon at Musgrove, said: "I am very grateful to everyone who has worked hard over the last year or so to set up the SCCSG. I am also extremely grateful to all those who have contributed to the charity."

Annie Lanigan, chairman of the charity, said: "An exciting finale to the event was the totally unexpected boost to our funds of a cheque from the High Sheriff, who very generously gave me an envelope as he was leaving."