Meet The Team

James Kirton

Head of Charity

James is the charity lead. He has over 20 years of experience in the charity sector and is passionate about the NHS. Contact details: James.Kirton@SomersetFT.nhs.uk and 01935 383020 or 01823 344437.

Zoe Steer

Head of Fundraising

Zoe has been working in the third sector for over 10 years and manages the Fundraising teams across our family of NHS charities. Contact details: Zoe.Steer@SomersetFT.nhs.uk and 01823 343974 or 07557 012437.

Rachel (Rae) Szaruta

Community & Events Fundraiser

Rae joined us in September 2024 as the Donor Support Officer and progressed to become our Community & Events Fundraiser in September 2025. She supports fundraisers and engages with the community in the West of the county. Rae has an eye for fashion and is considered the ‘bougie’ member of the team. Email – Rachel.Szaruta@SomersetFT.nhs.uk Phone - 01823 344437 or 07823 954515

Lydia Burton

Donor Support Officer

Lydia is our Donor Support Officer, providing support to our incredible fundraisers and the first point of call in our office. Having already worked with charities she has a great understanding of the impact fundraising can have and is excited to bring her own knowledge and creativity to the team! Lydia loves travelling, having volunteered for charities in Indian, Kenya, and South Africa, and filling her passport with as many stamps as possible. Also, she's a big foodie and will never say no to a cup of good old British tea! Email – Lydia.Burton@SomersetFT.nhs.uk Phone - 01823 344437

Graham Hughes

Chair

Graham has over 40 years of experience in the financial and legal sectors and was previously an executive director of Bank and Clients PLC. Prior to this, in his capacity as managing partner and latterly chairman, he developed a legal practice to a multi office large employer. Graham has been an NHS Non-Executive Director since April 2018

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO

Royal Patron

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO is Love Musgrove's Royal Patron. Her patronage reflects Her Royal Highness's ongoing support of Love Musgrove, the hospital's official charity, and her continued support of hospitals in the United Kingdom. Her Royal Highness has visited Musgrove on two occasions in support of Love Musgrove, once in March 2018 as she became Royal Patron of the MRI Million Campaign, and again in September 2019 to officially open the brand new MRI Scanner.