I'm famous!

Well done the Ivybridge and South Brent Gazette! Today's issue sees me on the front cover and a full feature on page 3 - did they know something I didn't? The article was almost word for word my press release with photos of me in the sponsors shirt and in the Dartmoor Classic. Please see below:

Ivybridge man to cycle 970miles in 12 days for Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity


When at secondary school aged 13 Martin Templar of Ivybridge marvelled at the achievement of two 16 year old fellow pupils who cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats, the length of Britain. Ever since it has been his dream to emulate their achievement.

For the past 2 years Martin has been training hard cycling in excess of 2,000 miles since February this year alone as well as giving up alcohol in an effort to lose a little weight. He can often be seen each weekend cycling solo across Dartmoor or around the South Hams as well as commuting into Wrigley’s at Estover where he works in the Marketing team.

Martin says “In fulfilling a personal dream I want to do some good for others”. He has raised thousands of pounds before notably for The Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Phab and CHICKS charities but on this occasion chose the Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity.

Rays of Sunshine grants wishes to children with serious and life limiting illnesses aged 3 – 18 across the UK. “At the end of last year I was inspired by the story of Alice Halstead whom I heard on the radio. She has a rare form of diabetes that requires hourly monitoring of her blood meaning that she has had to live in a Leeds hospital for over 2 years. Rays of Sunshine made it possible for Alice and her family to visit London to see the Lion King giving both Alice and her family a well deserved break”. “Alice is now an inspirational ambassador for the charity and has raised tens of thousands of pounds herself”.

Martin has been fundraising all summer and has amassed over £5,000 for Rays of Sunshine with a significant contribution being made by local and national businesses that have sponsored his T-shirt for the trip. “I would like to thank all my supporters. In these tough times I have found their generosity quite overwhelming”.

The cycle ride leaves Land’s End at the end of August with Martin passing through Devon on September 1st. If you would like to support his effort then please visit www.justgiving.com/Martin-Sunshine-Ride where you can read more of his story and sponsor him online.