Five doctors at Musgrove Park Hospital are donning their lycra and cycling across Somerset – to raise money for a new MRI scanner.

And they are inviting local people to join them in the cycle challenge, which is being run by doctors Nick Burns-Cox (urology), James Heal and Pradeep Madhavan (both orthopaedics), Peter Campbell (care of the elderly) and Justin Phillips (anaesthetics).

The cycle ride takes place on Sunday 22 April.

The two existing MRI scanners at Musgrove are at full capacity and the hospital urgently needs a new scanner to continue to offer the best possible support to patients who need it the most.

An additional scanner will help provide care to patients who may have breast cancer, neurological conditions, cardiac problems, prostate cancer, tumours, spinal injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. Without it patients with serious illnesses may face a longer wait before diagnosis or have to travel to other parts of the country.

Dr Nick Burns-Cox, consultant urologist at Musgrove Park Hospital, said: “This is a great opportunity to help raise the final funds we need to purchase this fantastic MRI scanner, which will ensure that the people of Somerset get the most up to date scan without having to wait.”

The cycle route starts and finishes at Taunton Racecourse and offers cyclists the choice of two rides from 50km to 100km around the Blackdown Hills and to the coast.

Entry is £15 per rider, which covers the cost of administration, as well as a Team Love Musgrove t-shirt.

Every penny raised through sponsorship will go direct to the Love Musgrove MRI scanner appeal