FOR sepsis survivor Richard Cole, there was only one choice of charity to help during his year as Pembrokeshire County Show’s 2017 President.

He spent his 12 months in office raising life-saving awareness of the condition – and vital charity funds – for the UK Sepsis Trust (UKST).

Bringing his fundraising year to a close, Richard and his wife Ann presented a cheque of £8,150 to UKST executive director for Wales Terence Canning on Tuesday (May 1).

Mr Canning said: “We were overwhelmed to receive a donation of over £8,000 and would like to thank Richard, Ann and everyone associated with the Pembrokeshire County Show who have played a part in reaching this wonderful total.

“As a charity we are doubly grateful that we were not only able to reach so many people through the support of the show to raise awareness of sepsis but also, due to the generous donation, are able to continue our work reaching many other people in communities throughout Wales.

“Our aim is to save lives. We want to give people the best chance of the best outcomes and your support will help us continue to do that.”

Also attending the presentation was Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns, who has also experienced sepsis and is chairman of the cross party group on sepsis in the Welsh Assembly.

Mrs Burns said: “Richard Cole has been absolutely fantastic in raising awareness of and money for sepsis in his role as president.”

There are 250,000 people affected by sepsis every year in the UK and around a fifth of those die. Around 60,000 are left with permanent and life-changing conditions.

Mr Cole, a dairy farmer from Whitland, held a series of events, including the President’s Quiz, the pre-show Sunday Service, Harvest Festival, and a President’s Charity Ball to help his charity campaign.

Mr Cole said: “As President of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society 2017 I was asked to become a member of the Welsh Assembly cross party sepsis group by AM Angela Burns. Both Angela and myself are sepsis survivors and wish to ensure that the public are made aware how devastating this affliction can be, and that with a speedy diagnosis and treatment, in many cases it can be treated cost effectively with a positive outcome.

“Both Ann and myself would like to thank all who gave donations and supported the events. Sincere thanks to the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society trustees for their co-operation throughout the year.”

This year’s President, Brian Harries will be raising funds for Prostate Cymru.

The 2018 Pembrokeshire County Show will take place on August 14-16.