The Countess of Wessex carried out a series of engagements in Somerset yesterday, including a visit to the Radiology Department at Musgrove Park Hospital, in her capacity as Patron of Love Musgrove MRI Million Campaign.
Love Musgrove is the hospital’s official charity and is currently fundraising for an important third MRI scanner at Musgrove. Almost £700,000 has been raised by the people of Somerset, with one couple anonymously giving a cheque for £10,000. The appeal hopes to raise over £1 million.
the countess of wessex at Musgrove Park Hospital; she is patron of their mri fundraiser (royal family)
The Countess looked interested as she learnt about the scheme, and was given a tour of the radiology department. Sophie spoke with Liz Ladd, Head of Imaging, James Gagg, Lead Consultant of A&E and Joanna Brown, a radiology consultant.
The Queen’s daughter-in-law was then shown a video describing the benefits of MRI technology and spoke of how MRI provides “amazing detail”, remarking that “there must have been an enormous amount of research, in actually discovering what [the brain] should look like!”
The hospital’s chairman, Colin Drummond said, “It is an honour to have The Countess of Wessex as our Royal patron for this vital campaign and we are delighted to have her support.
“Her Royal Highness is a long standing charitable supporter and her role with Love Musgrove will help to highlight our £1 million campaign and give us the boost needed to help us achieve our target.”
Later in the day, Sophie was greeted by year 3 pupils at a local school, who presented her with a posy of flowers. She spent several minutes chatting with the children.
The Countess also attended a reception at Somerset County Cricket Club, before opening the Rural Enterprise Centre in Shepton Mallet in her role as the Vice Patron of The Royal Bath and West of England Society.
sophie, countess of wessex discusses local produce at shepton mallet’s Rural Enterprise Centre (royal family)
the countess of wessex meets those involved in the Rural Enterprise Centre (royal family)
Sophie, 53, looked in high spirits as she chatted with Cider producers and farmers.
The wife of The Queen’s youngest son has had a busy few days, attending the Commonwealth Service and holding a reception in honour of the Ice Maiden Antarctic ski team at Buckingham Palace on Monday.
