A team of Sidmouth fundraisers are planning to cycle almost 500 miles… without moving an inch.

However, they will still need to put in a lot of effort, as the journey will be made on static exercise bikes. The event has been organised by Tim Hammond, the stepdad of a teenager who died from diabetes. Coner Osborne was living in Exeter’s YMCA at the time and all of the money raised will be donated to the charity.

Sidmouth Herald: Coner Osborne studied catering at Exeter CollegeConer Osborne studied catering at Exeter College (Image: Tim Hammond)

Tim has arranged for the exercise bikes to be installed outside Sidmouth’s Cornish Bakery, where he works as an assistant manager. Staff, family and friends have been recruited to help complete the challenge but an invitation has been extended for anyone to join in the marathon effort.

Coner, 18, grew up in Sidmouth and was studying catering at Exeter College when he passed away. He was planning to become a full time chef and was working part time at the Pink Moon Café in Queen Street, Exeter.

Coner leaves Tim, his mum Kathy, who is a teaching assistant at Sidmouth Primary School, and a sister, Naomi, 17 and brother, Owen, 13. Naomi is studying to be a carer and Owen is a student at Sidmouth Community College.

Sidmouth Herald: Tim HammondTim Hammond (Image: Tim Hammond)

The cycle challenge will see all those taking part attempting to complete the distance between the Cornish Bakery chain’s two most distant shops… Falmouth and Whitby!

Tim, who lives in Manstone Avenue, said: “Although we have riders lined up, anyone is welcome to pop along and give them a break.
“We will hold a bucket collection and have also set up a Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/The-Cornish-Bakery-Sidmouth.
“As well as raising funds for a good cause, the day will also celebrate Coner’s life.
“He was popular and fun and always enjoyed a laugh. The YMCA provided great support when he was there and we wanted to show our appreciation for that.”

Sidmouth Herald: Coner with his sister Naomi and their cousinsConer with his sister Naomi and their cousins (Image: Tim Hammond)

Tim has previously raised money for diabetes research by cycling a long way without going very far. In 2017 he rode up Sidbury Hill 51 times, the equivalent of the height of Everest, taking almost 16 hours to complete the challenge.

The two-day event takes place outside the Cornish Bakery in High Street, Sidmouth on July 19 and 20.