Dad completes 260-mile ride for epilepsy fundraiser

The team with Wooly the Bear at Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park after completing the ride

A man has cycled from one side of England to the other to raise money for improved epilepsy care after the death of his 11-year-old son.

Leo O'Brien died two weeks after his birthday in 2023 from sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (Sudep), which is when someone with epilepsy dies and no other cause of death is found.

His father, Ben O'Brien, was joined by close friends as he rode 260 miles (418km) from Gravesend, Kent, to Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park in north Devon - Leo's favourite place.

After completing the four-day challenge on Saturday and raising more than £18,000, Mr O'Brien said: "It's worth all the blisters in places I can't mention."

Mr O'Brien and his wife Emma set up Leo's Angels with an ambition of uniting what they called "fragmented" healthcare systems they navigated when caring for their son.

Mr O'Brien said the family want to channel their grief at losing Leo, pictured, into purpose

The couple said the charity is aimed at raising money to fund and develop technology to improve care for children with epilepsy.

Mrs O'Brien said; "We've made it our mission to improve future outcomes for those with epilepsy and to transform the current healthcare system.

"It's the least we can do in Leo's memory."

Speaking about the decision to end the cycle challenge in north Devon, she said: "We have been visiting Woolacombe Sands regularly for the last 13 years and the team have been a huge support to us since Leo's death.

"It was his favourite place in the world so felt like a fitting destination for the bike ride and there are even plans to install a memorial bench on site."