Sepsis survivor to finish 102-mile Cotswold walk

Robin Shuckburgh has raised more than £7,000 for Sepsis Research

A 77-year-old sepsis survivor is completing the last leg of a 102-mile (164km) walk along The Cotswold Way to raise money for Sepsis Research.

Robin Shuckburgh, also known known for his social media channel, The Cotswold Explorer, will walk the last leg of the Cotswold Way later, arriving at Bath Abbey at midday, coinciding with World Sepsis Day.

He has already raised more than £7,000 for the Edinburgh-based charity, far surpassing his original £500 goal.

Mr Shuckburgh, who lives in Bampton, Oxfordshire, was diagnosed with sepsis in 2023 and spent time on multiple life support systems.

Mr Shuckburgh is walking the Cotswold Way with his producer Ross Arrowsmith

His family were told he was unlikely to survive the night.

"My survival was miraculous. It's an extraordinary phenomenon that I am here, and I really needed to do something in order to pay back this extraordinary gift."

He began walking the Cotswold Way this summer, joined by his producer and videographer, Ross Arrowsmith.

Together they have filmed the journey for The Cotswold Explorer, combining their love of the English countryside with a mission to spread awareness.

Sepsis is a rare, life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body's immune system starts to attack the body's own tissues and organs.

According to Sepsis Research, it is believed the condition claims the lives of about 50,000 people in the UK every year, which is more than the total combined number of deaths due to breast, bowel and prostate cancer.

Mr Shuckburgh said his symptoms suddenly escalated.

"I went from feeling a little groggy to being a gibbering, incoherent wreck with a temperature of 43°C," he said.

"About 19 months ago, I literally could not walk more than four steps."

Now, less than two years later, he is conquering a trail with the equivalent climb of Mount Snowdon three times.

'Awareness utterly critical'

He wants to raise awareness about the symptoms of sepsis, to try and stop people from suffering as badly as he did.

"It takes no time at all for sepsis to take hold. Awareness is utterly critical. People must know the signs and act fast."

His challenge has already sparked conversations within his community.

"After I started, people I've known for years came out of the woodwork with their own sepsis stories - sometimes devastating ones, like the loss of a child.

"Sepsis has been hidden for too long. We've got to keep telling people about it."

Beyond raising awareness, Mr Shuckburgh has found the walk personally rewarding.

"The effect of this kind of journey is extraordinary. It's therapeutic, and the beauty of the Cotswolds is exceptional.

"I shall feel elated when I step into Bath Abbey."