A FUNDRAISER from St Austell has been named a finalist in the Mind Over Miles category in the 2026 JustGiving Awards.

Skye Owen, 25, completed an incredible 630-mile walk around the South West Coast Path, raising thousands of pounds and vital awareness for The UK Sepsis Trust after surviving life-threatening sepsis in 2024.

After initially being misdiagnosed several times, Skye was eventually told she had sepsis after the infection spread to her bloodstream, hip, and spine. She underwent two surgeries, spent six weeks in hospital receiving round-the-clock IV antibiotics and was told she may never walk properly again.

Determined to use her second chance at life to help others, Skye set herself the challenge of walking the entire South West Coast Path. Over 73 days, she covered more than 700 miles, climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest four times and documented her journey every day to raise awareness of sepsis, and raising more than £6,000 for The UK Sepsis Trust.

Throughout the challenge, Skye also carried the stories of other sepsis survivors and those who sadly lost their lives to the condition, with loved ones writing names on her fundraising shirt so they could be remembered every step of the way.

Skye Owen in hospital.
Skye underwent two operations and spent six weeks in hospital receiving round-the-clock IV antibiotics

Skye said: "Being named a finalist means absolutely everything to me. This was the first solo fundraiser I have ever taken on, so to receive this recognition is incredibly emotional. It's not just for me, but for everyone who supported the challenge, donated, shared my story and believed in me.

"When I hear the word ‘sepsis’ now, I don't think about fear anymore. I think about strength, resilience and using my experience to help save lives. Whatever happens, I'll always be proud of what we've achieved together."

Skye is one of 16 people to be named as a JustGiving Awards finalist this year. To be nominated, entrants had to have used JustGiving to raise money for a charity or personal cause over the last 12 months.

The finalists were shortlisted by an internal judging panel from JustGiving, with four finalists chosen for each of the four categories.

Pascale Harvie, president and general manager of JustGiving, said: "The JustGiving Awards celebrate the remarkable people who turn compassion into action. Every finalist has shown what is possible when someone steps up for a cause they care deeply about.

"Skye's story is one of incredible courage and determination. To go from being told she may never walk again to taking on a 630-mile challenge to raise awareness of sepsis is truly inspirational. By sharing her experience so openly, Skye has helped educate countless people about the signs of sepsis while raising vital funds for an important cause. Skye is a hugely deserving finalist."

The winners will be recognised with a unique JustGiving Awards experience, designed to celebrate their fundraising achievements and the impact they have made for the causes closest to their hearts.

The winners will be chosen by the public, with voting closing on Sunday, September 13.

To support her fundraiser, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/skye-owen-sepsisuk