FOR the second year Sandford Syclepaths, a group of local cyclists from Sandford, Crediton and other surrounding villages, are planning The Sandford Slammer bike ride which will take place on Sunday, October 8.

Two routes of 58 miles and 33 miles will depart from the brand new Sandford Community Sports Pavilion, which last year’s event helped to secure funding for.

In order to attract the lesser experienced cyclists within the area, organiser Chris O’Connor has added a shorter route of 16 miles should there be sufficient demand, however, this shorter route will sadly not include the famous cake and refreshments stop at the top of Long Drag.

Last year’s ride attracted 48 participants and Chris hopes this will be beaten this year, with monies raised being split equally between two worthy recipients, Sandford Football Club and The UK Sepsis Trust.

The UK Sepsis Trust was established to raise awareness of Sepsis, a condition that affects 250,000 people each year in the UK alone and of these 44,000 sadly turn out to be fatal.

Chris has himself suffered two serious bouts of Sepsis this year and although he has started training again, this will probably prevent him from taking part in the actual ride.

However, he freely accepts, when taking everything into account, he does consider himself to be one of the lucky ones.

Fifty per cent of the entry money received before July 12 will go to the Trust and this will be doubled by former Conservative party Deputy Chairman Lord Ashcroft, himself a Sepsis survivor. He is financially matching every donation pound-for-pound up to a maximum of £250,000.

The UK Sepsis Trust, which was founded in 2012, exists to raise awareness, and to train and educate health professionals about sepsis, as well as to help families who have experienced its destructive force.

Lord Ashcroft’s generous gesture ends on July 13 so those wishing to take part are asked to please get their entries in. Entries will still be accepted after July 12 but will not be doubled.

In order to plan ahead, numbers taking part and refreshments needed etc - Chris asks that participants pay their £10 entry fee via PayPal using the following information: PayPal.me/ChrisOConnor63 (adding your name(s) and distance you wish to do).

Alternatively entries can be made by contacting Chris direct on telephone 07837 239 371 or via the “Facebook” page to arrange entry in person.

Carol Furze