There is thought to be at least one child in every classroom with dyspraxia – many of whom are undiagnosed.

Sheerness resident Eben Fletcher has the condition, which affects coordination and development, and is working to raise awareness of it.

It can also lead to problems with language, perception and thought.

Symptoms are evident from an early age and sufferers are often slow to achieve learning milestones throughout childhood. It can also cause muscle pain.

Eben Fletcher, of St George’s Avenue, faced frustrations growing up and when he was diagnosed aged 10, his mum Sue said it was like a light had been switched on – they finally had an answer to why he found some simple tasks so difficult.

She says her son suffers with pain in his shoulders and arms and has hypersensitive skin so there are certain clothes he can’t wear as they irritate him.

The 44-year-old said: “He finds writing very difficult because it gives him muscle ache where he has to grip the pen.

“It’s a complicated condition.

“It does affect him in everyday life but in ways you can’t always see.

“It’s things most people do without thinking that [dyspraxics] can find very difficult – like using knives and forks.”

Housewife Mrs Fletcher says Eben was given fantastic support at both Danley Middle School and Sittingbourne Community College which really helped his development.

The 19-year-old is at university in Southampton studying sport. When he finishes his aim is to start going into schools to support other dyspraxic children, as the help he received made so much difference.

Eben says he does sometimes still find it tough, for example when he can’t do a task very easily which he could do perfectly well the day before, but he doesn’t let it affect him.

He has support at university and uses a dictaphone during lectures so he doesn’t have to struggle with note-taking.

“It is frustrating,” he said.

“Most people can’t read my handwriting and sometimes even I can’t, and I couldn’t tie my shoelaces until I was 13.”

Mrs Fletcher says it’s not a condition which will ever go, but there are some parts of it which can be overcome and she’s sure her son will lead a normal life.

“It can affect lots of different things so people suffer in different ways – some a lot worse than others,” she said.

“Eben has worked really hard to get where he is and hasn’t let dyspraxia stand in his way.

“We have always said to Eben now he’s got a reason for why he can’t do things, or it’s more difficult or it takes longer – that’s not a reason to not try.”

Next year, Eben is planning to a 2,000-mile cycle ride to raise awareness of the condition and also in support of the Dyspraxia Foundation which helps sufferers and their families.

To build up to that, the teenager will be doing a series of smaller bike rides to help other charities.

The first is on Friday, September 13, at Brands Hatch where he will be attempting to do as many laps as possible of the 1.2-mile track in two hours.

It is to raise money for the charity Action for Children, which helps vulnerable and neglected young people and he hopes to raise at least £50.

Sponsorship forms are available from The Playa pub in Minster, the Tiger Group in Brielle Way and the Times Guardian office in Sheerness.

Or visit his fundraising page at www.virginmoneygiving.com/ebenfletcher