To Mark our 60th Birthdays Graham and I figured a tour of our beautiful county of Shropshire and borders, would be an enjoyable thing to do, only 180 miles and climbing17022 ft elevation (5188M), a suitable challenge!

We have ridden similar distances with fewer peaks on road bikes before however this is a recognised off road tour, a different challenge all together. Our good friends Ruth and Nick were also keen to complete this challenging ride.

Whilst planning was in its embryonic good idea in the Pub stage, we suddenly lost my brother David to Sepsis. One day telling a group of school children how good it is to be a farmer, the next fighting for his life in ITU with Sepsis. To say we are shocked is an understatement. Working as we do in the NHS, Graham and I all to often see sepsis and patients on the verge, early recognition treatment and prevention of overwhelming infection is paramount, time is of the essence to stop the inflammatory cascade and even then they may not be successful.

We believe raising money and awareness for Sepsis UK as part of our birthday milestone by cycling the Marcher way an appropriate tribute David; A true Shropshire Lad, a gentle giant to us and sadly missed.

A few words from Sepsis UK

Fundraising is at the heart of our fight against sepsis.

It raises awareness, and sparks the question: “What is sepsis? In this way, fundraising can help prevent thousands of deaths & unnecessary suffering through knowledge & awareness of the symptoms.

It also funds our vital support work, Public Awareness, Educating Health Professionals & helping people adjust to life after sepsis through accessing our Support Group network. We also lobby government to support our cause and makes vital changes in areas such as the NHS.