A heartfelt fundraising effort by Mandy Brightman has led to the opening of a dedicated relatives’ room on the Dunkery stroke ward at Musgrove Park Hospital, providing a peaceful retreat for families during difficult times.
Mandy’s journey began on Christmas Day 2023 when she received the devastating news that her mother, Sue, who was being treated for a brain bleed on the stroke unit, had no further treatment options. The only space available for this heartbreaking moment was a bleak and unsuitable room near the ward entrance, containing little more than a plastic chair and a rusty fridge.
Determined to ensure other families would not have to experience such sorrow in that environment, Mandy promised nurse Jess she would fundraise to create a more appropriate space. Starting with generous donations at Sue’s funeral, the campaign quickly gained momentum.
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“We raised over £1,000 at mum’s funeral,” said Mandy, “followed by £700 at a music concert featuring the Wellington-based JW3 Band. The Milverton Music Club dedicated an entire evening to the cause, donating all proceeds, and clients at my Taunton-based hair salon contributed as well.”
The campaign drew support from various community groups, including retired electricity board workers, the West Somerset Singers—a choir Sue once belonged to—and local supporters reached through free promotion by 10 Radio. In just five months, the collective effort raised an impressive £5,500.
“Mum gave so much to our community,” Mandy reflected. “This room is her legacy, a place where families can find comfort in some of their darkest moments.”
The new relatives’ room is thoughtfully designed, featuring artwork through Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s Art for Life programme, including pieces by artist Tess Armitage, known to Mandy from her previous educational work. “The space is beautiful,” Mandy noted. “I’m grateful no one else will have to receive sad news in the setting I did.”
Becky Halley, ward manager on Dunkery ward, emphasized the profound impact the room has had on patients’ families and the staff. “Before, we had no specific area for families to receive updates or to have private conversations. We often had to use the occupational therapy kitchen or doctors’ office, neither ideal or private,” Becky explained. “This dedicated room allows us to close the door and offer families a quiet, comfortable space.”
Love Musgrove, the hospital’s official charity, proudly supported the project. Zoe Steer, head of fundraising, stated, “This quiet room for Dunkery Ward families will make an enormous difference, offering a space for reflection during challenging times.”
Emma Quick, coordinator of the Art for Life programme, added praise for the artwork’s calming effect. “Tess Armitage’s beautiful pieces perfectly complement the room’s welcoming atmosphere, giving families a tranquil space away from the busy ward.”
The successful refurbishment was managed by Thea Plant from the hospital’s capital projects team, completing a heartfelt community effort inspired by one daughter’s promise to honour her mother’s memory.