EPILEPTIC Kevin Ringland is not one to allow his condition to get him down – and to prove it he is about to set off on the adventure of a lifetime.

He plans a cycle ride that will take him around the world and which will take ten years to complete.

By the time he arrives back at his home in Scarcroft Road, York, he will have pedalled 350,000 miles.

Mr Ringland plans to set off on Monday – his 30th birthday – and will travel through Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Russia.

On the way, he plans to meet international experts on epilepsy, in order to address public ignorance and fear of the condition, as well as raise funds for the cause.

He is expecting to cover between 80 and 100 miles a day and in preparation has already completed a number of marathon rides, including a round-Britain tour and and the Land’s End to John O’Groats journey.

Mr Ringland will also be making regular reports on his blog at theepilepsycharity.

com, which was founded by his family and where further details can be found.

“The main reasons for me doing this, and for setting up the charity, are to improve people’s knowledge and understanding of epilepsy,” he said. “I hope to improve the lives of all epileptics and prove that, though disabled, with a little help and – more importantly – understanding, we can accomplish all we put our minds to.”

Mr Ringland has had epilepsy since he was nine and still suffers from fits which can leave him unconscious for up to 42 hours.

“I’ve had trouble with work, getting and keeping a job, because of people’s complete and utter fear of epilepsy in general,” he said.

“There is still the old stigma attached to it that it’s a possession disease because you drop down and shake around.”

He added: “I understand that it frightens people, but I would like to get some actual facts out there.

“I enjoy a drink, I smoke, I go out and have a life and I have fits. It doesn’t stop me living a normal life. I still suffer from attacks, but I’ve had it a long time, so I am used to it.”

During his ten-year trek, Mr Ringland will make just a few trips home to see friends and family.