Teenager with epilepsy finishes 500 mile challenge

A teenager with epilepsy who has completed a 500-mile cycling challenge for charity has said he wants to show it "doesn't have to be a barrier" to achievement.

Zac, 15, set off with his father, James, on 6 August, running the 250 miles from his Surrey home to Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium, before cycling the same distance back.

Since being diagnosed in 2020, the Make a Difference Awards nominee, who lives in Leatherhead, has raised almost £150,000 for the charity Young Epilepsy through various challenges.

After completing his latest fundraiser on Sunday, Zac said it showed epilepsy "doesn't have to stop you from doing something incredible or something you can be proud of".

His father, James, said Zac was not able to ride a bike four months ago, but now had completed a challenge that is "hard for even the fittest athletic person".

"He's run effectively 10 back-to-back marathons," he added.

For the teenager, it is worth it to be able to support a charity which has been invaluable to him since his diagnosis.

He said: "[We] knew nothing about the condition. We had Young Epilepsy to help support us and educate us about epilepsy - how to deal with it and how to go about living a normal life."

Witnessing Zac's experiences with epilepsy has driven the entire family to want to spread awareness.

James said: "It's just so scary. Zac would have a seizure, he would be in my arms and I literally thought he was dying.

"It was terrifying, and that's why we're so passionate about it, because people need support, people need to learn more about it."

Before this latest adventure, the teenager had already raised more than £100,000 for Young Epilepsy.

According to Jane Beaven, the charity's chief executive, he has raised at least another £42,000 through this challenge.

She said: "That will enable us as a charity to support more young people who are affected by epilepsy, [including] young people who may be isolated and struggling with their condition.

"I think Zac and his family are incredible and the difference they're making for young people with epilepsy and for our charity is phenomenal."

During the challenge, Zac had the opportunity to visit Manchester United's Carrington training ground, where he met some players, including club captain Bruno Fernandes.

The teenager has not only had the chance to meet his heroes, but to become one in his own right thanks to his fundraising efforts.

Zac is nominated for the Young Hero Award at this year's BBC Radio Surrey and BBC Radio Sussex Make a Difference Awards.

Whether he triumphs will become clear later this year, but for now, he is still euphoric from crossing the finish line in Reigate after 500 miles.

"It was just the most incredible feeling. Just a feeling of like, you can't really describe it. It was just so emotional," he said.

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