A man with epilepsy is taking on a tough kayaking trip around the UK for charity.
Vaughan Roberts, 24, of Mersham, is doing this in memory of his cousin who died from the condition.
He will be the first and youngest epileptic to take on the venture.
His stepmother, Venetia Carpenter, said: “Part of the reason is to raise money but also to prove to himself and others that, despite his illness, he can still do these types of activities.”
Mr Roberts set off on the five-month trip from Camber Sands on Wednesday, May 20 during Epilepsy Awareness Week.
He is trying to raise money for Epilepsy Bereaved, which aims to reduce deaths from the condition through research and education.
He was diagnosed with the condition last year, which is hereditary and also affects his older brother, Andrew.
Epilepsy Bereaved was co-founded by Mr Roberts’ aunt Susan Kelk of Canterbury. This was after her daughter, Natalie Kelk, who was Vaughan’s cousin, died in 1992 aged 22.
The charity says that three people die of a seizure each day in the UK alone.
Ms Carpenter said: “Vaughan is a very active young man and into more extreme sports such as free climbing without ropes.
“Having been diagnosed with epilepsy this has made it harder for him to continue with such activities. Despite this he has now taken up kayaking and given himself the challenge of kayaking around the world.”
If you want to support Vaughan log onto www.justgiving.com/vaughanroberts1.