YOUR County Gazette has been supporting the Love Musgrove Covid-19 Appeal since the beginning of April.

More than £190,000 has so far been raised to help NHS staff and patients at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital during the pandemic.

Now, hospital charity Love Musgrove has launched the Miles For Musgrove fundraiser, with people across the county pledging to complete an activity and distance in the month of June - and raise much-needed money through sponsorship in a socially-distanced way.

Among those to pledge is County Gazette editor, Paul Jones, who has pledged to walk 60 miles this month in aid of the cause.

“I was raised in an NHS family - my mum was a nurse, midwife and health visitor who retired last year after more than 40 years - so I am hugely conscious of the sacrifices staff make to care for all of us,” Paul said.

“So Miles For Musgrove felt like something I could take part in, even with the limited time I have when editing the newspaper.

“And it will mean I get active again, to some extent. I just hope I can complete the 60 miles, as with two young children - as all parents will know - I inevitably end up carrying a little one when out for a walk!”

A Love Musgrove spokesperson said: “Covid-19 doesn’t look to being going anywhere any time soon, and so with your support Love Musgrove can help Musgrove Park Hospital as they transition into a new normal.

“The charity will be able to establish more long term wellbeing support for staff, continue to help isolated patients keep in contact with their loved ones and fund projects above and beyond what the NHS can support.”

To sign up for the Miles For Musgrove challenge, log on to www.lovemusgrove.org.uk/milesformusgrove.

And to sponsor Paul, visit www.justgiving.org.uk/gazettemfm