Who Are We?

The Musgrove Leukaemic Group Somerset (MLGS) was formed in March 1978 by a group of parents whose children were undergoing treatment for leukaemia. Due to the then limited facilities at Musgrove Park Hospital they had to visit hospitals in Southampton and Bristol for treatment, placing severe strain on the families. Against this background the MLGS was formed with the aim of raising money to improve facilities for leukaemia and lymphoma patients and their families in Somerset.

The Group is run completely by unpaid volunteers who absorb all their own personal expenses. There are no paid officers and overheads are kept to an absolute minimum, thereby ensuring that the vast majority of money collected goes to the Haematology Unit at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. The hospital has become a major centre in the South West of England for the diagnosis and treatment of leukaemia and related blood disorders.

The Group has area representatives located throughout Somerset at Bridgwater, Chard and Ilminster, the Exmoor area, Glastonbury and Street, Langport, Minehead, Taunton, Watchet and Wellington. The area representatives act as local contacts, organising events and visiting businesses, people and other organisations as required. In turn they report back to Group meetings. Meetings are held regularly, six times a year and additionally if required, at various venues around Somerset.