A WANTAGE man who suffers from Parkinson’s disease is in the midst of ‘one of the most difficult athletic events in the world’.

Alex Flynn, 46, is taking part in this year’s 300km Primal Quest, in British Colombia, Canada.

The week-long event, set in the ‘sea to sky corridor’ of the North American region, traverses exceptionally beautiful and challenging terrain - and involves mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, and climbing.

Mr Flynn was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease aged 36. Since then he has reached a target of running 10 million metres, taking part in marathons, triathlon and ultra-marathons worldwide, while raising money for research into the disease.

He said: “I’m really excited and honoured to be part of a team lead by five-time world champion adventure racer, Mike Kloser. I’ll be racing to raise awareness of and funds for Parkinson‘s research in conjunction with Parkinson‘s UK.

“The disease makes things challenging. However, everyone who knows me is aware that I rise to a challenge. The race will be tough but I can do this.

“I hope to inspire others and to prove that life doesn’t end with diagnosis. There are millions of people with this horrific, debilitating, neurological condition worldwide, and there is currently no cure.”

For more information, visit alexflynn.co.uk. To donate, visit justgiving.com/alexflynnpq18