Lea Milligan former CEO at MQ Mental Health - In Memory 1985 - 2024

Revisited Episode (Recorded April 2021)
A Tribute to Lea Milligan

This revisited episode of Purposely is shared as a tribute to Lea Milligan, who passed away unexpectedly in April 2024.

From Purposely host Mark Longbottom

Before returning to this conversation, I wanted to pause and honour someone truly special. I first met Lea in London in 2016 when he was working at Mercy Ships UK, and I was at the St James’s Place Foundation. He reached out in a fundraising role, but it quickly became clear that Lea was far more than that - a phenomenal relationship-builder, a deeply human leader, and someone you always enjoyed talking with. He was a natural connector of people, with an unwavering focus on mission and purpose.

Lea would go on to become an impressive leader in the mental health sector, serving as CEO of MQ Mental Health Research. News of his passing came as a real shock, and with great sadness. Re-sharing this conversation feels like a meaningful way to honour his impact and leadership.

In this episode, Lea shares:

• The mission of MQ Mental Health Research and why it was established

• Why mental health research remains chronically underfunded compared to other health areas

• The parallels between the journey of cancer research and where mental health research is today

• The role of stigma in slowing progress — and why research is the first step toward real system change

• Why research may not deliver quick returns, but offers extraordinary long-term impact

This conversation captures Lea’s clarity of thought, humility, and deep commitment to improving mental health outcomes globally.