PERSONAL trainer Mike James will be part of a team of four who will be cycling the epic trek from Carbonne in France to Monmouth Wales next month in a bid to raise money for the UK Sepsis Trust.

James and three friends will depart Carbonne in the Midi-Pyrénées region on April 27, to cycle an exhausting 170 miles per day, and hopefully arrive in Monmouth on May 3 after finishing with a 130 mile ride from Portsmouth.

Sepsis accounts for 37,000 deaths annually in the UK. More than bowel cancer and prostate cancer put together. A person dies from Sepsis every 14 minutes.

James told the Chronicle. "The reason I've chosen to support the work of UK Sepsis Trust is because my dad became very ill after a prostate biopsy. He developed sepsis and as a result suffered a cardiac arrest.

"Thankfully he survived and continues to improve with the help of the medical professionals family and friends."

Mike added, "I'm very grateful for every donation as all funds raised by the challenge will support the work of UK Sepsis Trust, and will make a huge difference to the charity, enabling them to continue to raise awareness, educate the public, and ensure early recognition and treatment."

If you would like to make a donation to support James and his friends cycling challenge, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/Sepsiscyclingchallenge">www.justgiving.com/Sepsiscyclingchallenge.