AT 36-years-old Colin Mossman had severe epilepsy and suffered from 50 fits a day.

But brain surgery changed his life forever, freeing him from the condition which took over his life, and allowing him to realise a life long dream.

The 43-year-old from Manford Way, Chigwell, is preparing to ride 10,000 miles around Europe on a motorbike, to raise money for two charities which helped him and his two-year-old son Fazer, who has cerebral palsy.

As a child, Colin was sent to a special school where he was known as a number rather than a name and unable to take part in normal activities other children his age could do.

He said: "I had whooping cough and that's what started the fits. People thought I had the devil in me and I was sent to a school with nuns."

But as Colin got older the fits became worse.

He said: "It got out of control and I couldn't go to work. I do building work and I used to go and tie something around me so I could carry on and try not to let it get the better of me."

Then doctors offered Colin the chance to undergo brain surgery in an attempt to cure his epilepsy.

He said: "They told me I could lose part of my sight, become paralysed or die. But I said I don't have a life so just do it.”

The surgery was a success and Colin took a motorbike test, giving him the freedom he always dreamed of.

He is now preparing to ride his motorbike around Europe to raise money for Epilepsy Action and the Rose Walton Centre in Woodford where his son is supported for cerebral palsy.

Taking just a tent and rucksack, Colin is hoping that local businesses will come forward to sponsor him to do the 30 day challenge, starting on July 3.

Anyone interested should call him on 07966157820 or email epelin@aol.com.